This course develops the ability to evaluate financial performance using core ratio analysis and structured financial analysis frameworks. Learners begin with profitability ratios and return metrics, examining how organizations generate earnings and deploy capital based on income statement and balance sheet data.
Financial Analysis and Ratio Interpretation
Seize the savings! Get 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus and full access to thousands of courses.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Analyze profitability and return metrics using income statement and balance sheet data.
Evaluate liquidity, efficiency, and working capital ratios to assess operational health.
Assess capital structure, interest coverage, and industry benchmarks to identify financial risk.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
March 2026
Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 3 modules in this course
This module introduces core profitability metrics and return ratios, giving learners tools to evaluate how efficiently a business generates profits and returns on its resources. The module includes margin analysis, return metrics like ROA and ROE, and the DuPont framework for dissecting return performance.
What's included
11 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
This module focuses on short-term financial health and operational effectiveness. Learners will study liquidity ratios that assess a company's ability to meet obligations, efficiency ratios that measure asset utilization, and the working capital cycle. The goal is to understand how internal operations affect cash flow, stability, and flexibility in managing resources.
What's included
10 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
This module focuses on analyzing a company’s capital structure, its ability to meet debt obligations, and how its financial performance compares to industry peers. Learners will examine leverage ratios, interest coverage, and credit risk indicators. They will also gain practical experience using horizontal, vertical, and peer benchmarking analysis to contextualize financial performance and uncover red flags.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment2 peer reviews1 discussion prompt
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,