In wealth management, what is a “fundamentals analysis”?

Fundamental analysis is a key approach in wealth management that involves evaluating a security's intrinsic value by analyzing various financial and economic factors. This method focuses on assessing a company's financial health through its financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. By understanding a company's earnings, assets, liabilities, and overall economic conditions, an investor can determine whether a stock is undervalued or overvalued in the market.

This analysis helps in making informed investment decisions based on the underlying value of a company rather than just its market price, which can be influenced by market sentiment and trends. Such a foundational approach is crucial for long-term investors who seek to make investments based on a company's actual performance and growth potential rather than short-term market fluctuations.