An engaging expert session on data-driven financial analysis 

A guest lecture on “Ratios Based Financial Statement Analysis Using Excel” was organised for PGDM Term 3 students as part of the Financial Statement Analysis course at Apeejay School of Management. The session was conducted by Anupam Dixit, an experienced corporate trainer, who provided valuable insights into the practical application of financial analysis techniques using spreadsheet tools.

The session aimed to help students understand how to effectively analyse financial ratios using Excel and how such tools can support data-driven decision-making in the corporate world. Through a structured and interactive approach, Mr. Dixit demonstrated how Excel can simplify complex financial data and enable analysts to interpret financial statements with greater accuracy and efficiency.

During the lecture, the speaker explained various financial ratios and their significance in evaluating the financial health and operational performance of a company. Students were guided on how to calculate and interpret key ratios using Excel, which allowed them to visualise financial trends and variations more effectively. The session emphasised the importance of analysing financial data not only to compute numerical results but also to understand the underlying reasons behind changes in performance indicators.

To make the session more relevant and practical, the analysis was carried out using the financial data of Britannia Industries. By examining the company’s financial statements, students were able to observe how ratio analysis helps in assessing profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and overall business performance. The use of a real-world corporate example enabled students to connect theoretical concepts learned in the classroom with actual business scenarios.

The session also highlighted the importance of analytical thinking in financial management. Mr. Dixit encouraged students to go beyond basic calculations and focus on interpreting financial data to derive meaningful insights. He explained how professionals in finance and accounting rely on such analytical tools to make strategic decisions, evaluate organisational performance, and identify potential areas for improvement.

From the students’ perspective, the lecture proved to be both informative and engaging. Many participants appreciated the practical approach adopted during the session, which allowed them to understand financial statement analysis more clearly. Sharing her experience, Harjas Kaur, a student of PGDM Term 3 (Section B), remarked that the session helped her understand how Excel can be used to simplify financial analysis while improving the accuracy of calculations.

Similarly, Harshit Mishra, a student of PGDM Term 3 (Section A), noted that the lecture strengthened his understanding of ratio analysis and demonstrated how such tools are used to evaluate a company’s financial performance in real-world situations.

Overall, the guest lecture was highly enriching for the students, as it combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. The session significantly enhanced students’ understanding of financial statement analysis and reinforced the importance of using analytical tools such as Excel in modern financial management practices.