A Closer Look at Gross Margin

An Introduction to Gross Margin is more than an introduction - it's a soup to nuts explanation of why gross margin is a critical operational parameter in business, how investors should use it, and some important pitfalls in its application. We highlight why gross margin is helpful in understanding the quality of an investment, and how to interpret it. We also explain how some companies have understood its importance to investors, how they game the system, and the signs investors should look for.

The course comprises around 40 minutes of video content - the videos are detailed and not the sort of thing you can run at 1.5x speed. You also get quizzes, exercises to complete (with answer sheets), and reading materials with each module. The course will take you 2-4 hours to complete, depending on your experience and how much of the reading you do (not all of it is a requirement - there is some optional content for those interested in particular aspects or sectors).

This course is an essential building block for any analyst or investor who is interested in assessing business quality - that's everyone.

Watch this short video, where we explain the course

We explain the contents of the course, and why understanding gross margin is an important technique in the investor's toolkit.

Your Instructor

Stephen Clapham

Stephen (Steve) Clapham has been one of the top analysts in the City of London for over 25 years. A rated analyst at top banks like JP Morgan, Steve moved to become a partner and head of research at two multi-billion hedge funds where he was responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars of investments. Now he brings the benefit of those years of practitioner experience to help you improve your investing and analytical skills.

In 2018, Steve set up his training company, Behind the Balance Sheet, and hundreds of professional investors, regulators and corporate analysts have taken his Forensic Accounting Course. Some of the world's top institutions rely on Steve to help their top analysts improve their skills. That expertise is now available to you!

In 2020, Steve's first book, The Smart Money Method, How to Invest Like a Hedge Fund Pro, was published by Harriman House and immediately went to the number 1 slot in various Investing categories on Amazon in the UK and US. It has been enthusiastically received by investors, both professional and amateur.

Course Curriculum

A Closer Look at Gross Margin

Available in days

days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days, please explain why it did not meet your requirements so that we can modify it for future customers, and we will happily give you a refund.

Still not sure? Read what two experienced practitioners had to say:

Oliver Sherman: I took the online Gross Margin course and found it informative and helpful. This should be no surprise as all elements of Steve’s courses seem to be well thought-through, with excellent examples that bring the subject matter to life. As a professional investment analyst I was hesitant to take the course as I wondered if it would add to my knowledge base, but after taking it I do feel it was worthwhile as (a) it’s always good to refresh ones knowledge of an important subject matter and (b) there are always new ways to look at things that can shed an extra layer of insight onto subjects. Gross margins are sometimes undervalued for their informational value. The course reminds/informs students of how they can be important and how to interpret them.

Alan Taylor: I did the course on Gross Margin. It was clear and informative. When I had completed it I got some helpful feedback to help improve my understanding on the one little bitthat I had difficulty in understanding. I particularly liked the slides on how companies sometimes'cheat' by changing the accounting bases from one year to another. Well put together and a valuable lesson in that I now do consider Gross margin trends when evaluating long term profitability.

This course has been tremendously popular with our students - enroll now!

It will teach you all you need to know about understanding and interpreting a company's gross margin, which is a key pillar in business quality.

The course is presented in a simple and easy to understand way, and will give you actionable ideas, and equip you with the tools and techniques to make this a central part of your analytical framework.

If you are not sure, you may want to check out some of our training clients and some of the commendations our courses have received from our professional investment clients at large institutions. We train the pros, and we can help you too improve your skills.

Enjoy the course.

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