Which analytical method assesses qualitative factors regarding a company?

The choice of SWOT analysis as the correct answer is grounded in its focus on qualitative factors that affect a company. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This analytical method involves examining internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) as well as external factors (opportunities and threats) that can influence a company's strategic positioning and overall performance.

Qualitative analysis through SWOT allows analysts to gain insights into aspects such as company culture, brand reputation, competitive advantages, market trends, and regulatory environments, which are not easily quantifiable but are critical for informed decision-making. By identifying these qualitative attributes, organizations can better position themselves in the market and develop strategies that leverage their strengths or mitigate threats.

In contrast, the other methods focus on different aspects: quantitative analysis concentrates on measurable data, technical analysis relies on price patterns and trading volumes, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis evaluates a company’s financial value based on projected future cash flows. None of these methods primarily assess qualitative factors, which reinforces why SWOT analysis is the appropriate choice for this question.