Du Pont analysis

Du Pont analysis
See also
Accounting ratios Strategic trajectory evaluation Early warning system Bank efficiency ratio Altman Z score SPACE method Account Analysis Economic Value Added - EVA Total capitalization

Du Pont Analysis is a comprehensive evaluation method based on the profitability presented in the pyramid of indicators. It allows to assess the financial situation in a synthetic way. It combines the data from the balance sheet and profit and loss account.

History

The Du Pont method has been used in financial analysis for the first time in 1919It was created by chief financial officer of Du Pont de Nemours and Co, which after World War I was developing very rapidly through acquisitions. By using this method, the company could choose the most attractive targets for acquisition.

Indicators

In Du Pont pyramid major role play following indicators:

• Rate of return on equity (ROE),
• Rate of return on assets (ROA)
• Net profit margin

Through these three indicators it is possible to make comparisons of enterprises regardless of the type of activity. These comparisons help managers make strategic decisions about investment, production, capital allocation and ongoing services.

The most important indicator is the rate of return on equity (ROE):

'ROE = net profit / equity'

ROE is most important for shareholders, as they are interested on profit from capital contributed by them. It is a measure of the efficiency of capital invested in the enterprise. The ROE level is influenced by three factors:

1. Operational efficiency (expressed as the profit margin),
2. Efficiency of assets (expressed as total assets turnover),
3. Financial leverage (expressed by the equity multiplier).

Du Pont analysis had a huge impact on the views of economists and still occupies an important place in the arsenal of methods to assess the financial health of the company.

Benefits and limitations of Du Pont analysis

Benefits of DuPont Analysis include:

• It provides a clear and concise way to analyze a company's financial performance by breaking down return on equity (ROE) into its component parts, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.
• It highlights the relationship between a company's profitability, asset turnover, and leverage, providing insight into how a company is generating its ROE.
• It can be used to compare a company's performance to industry averages or to other companies in the same industry.

Limitations of DuPont Analysis include:

• It relies on historical financial data and may not take into account future events or changes in market conditions.
• It can be affected by accounting choices and may not always provide a true representation of a company's financial performance.
• It may not take into account qualitative factors that can impact a company's performance, such as management quality or industry trends.
• It can be affected by the size of the company and may not be as useful for smaller companies with limited financial data.

References

• Liesz, T. J. (2002). Really modified Du Pont analysis: Five ways to improve return on equity.