Applied Fundamental Analysis with Alternative Data

:::::WHY::::: Whether investing in public companies, long-term strategies, private ownership, or business operations, outperforming in markets has become more challenging and competitive, with fewer consistent successes. Hence, there is a need to look at nontraditional sources to gather data that might provide an edge. Such sources include looking beyond company filings, broker reports, and industry consultant summaries to sources such as credit card transactions, social media commentary, product reviews, compilations of industry sources, and satellite imagery. These sources can help get closer to the ground truth regarding the positioning, operations, and prospects of a company, country, resource pool, or investment opportunity. :::::WHAT:::::: This course is not just about theory but about practical application. It guides students in acquiring alternative data, extracting insights from it, using it for projections, conducting contextual business model evaluations, and determining “unknown unknowns.” We will learn to accept that no predefined formula exists to identify, quantify, and project a complex organization operating in a constantly evolving global environment. We will highlight the importance of framing questions sufficiently for intelligence gathering and analysis. The act of questioning serves as the foundation of any investigation, project, or research endeavor. It sharpens our focus, guides our inquiry, and lays the groundwork for meaningful and actionable answers. The power to shape our understanding of the world, businesses, consumers, and individual actors lies in the answers and data we gather and the quality and direction of the questions we pose. The confidence to ask the right questions and break down the subject of the analysis and associated materials will be a vital component of the learning process. ::::::HOW::::: Students will work with real datasets and benefit from direct advice, experience, and practical insights from portfolio managers, research analysts, consulting data analysts, and others to derive value from the information within their reach. The combination of traditional and alternative data with the right real-world questions helps to forecast future outcomes. This knowledge will provide leverage in the world of data and analytics, broaden your horizons, and enhance your toolkit for informed decision-making. With advancements in data science and business intelligence, the course is not relevant just for public markets but for students pursuing all disciplines (e.g., PE teams building up data science teams working with alternative data to gain commercial insights).