The EIC Framework (Economy, Industry, Company) is a fundamental
top-down approach used in stock analysis
1. Economy (E) – Macroeconomic Analysis
Analyze the overall economic conditions to determine if the stock market and specific sectors are in a
favorable phase.
Key Factors to Consider:
GDP Growth Rate – A growing economy supports business expansion.
Inflation & Interest Rates – High inflation and interest rates hurt businesses; low rates fuel growth.
Government Policies & Budgets – Favorable policies (tax cuts, subsidies, PLI schemes) benefit
specific industries.
Exchange Rates & Global Factors – Weak rupee affects imports; global recessions impact exports.
FII & DII Flows – High foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows indicate confidence in the market.
Outcome:
• If the economy is booming, invest aggressively in growth sectors.
• If the economy is slowing, focus on defensive sectors like FMCG, healthcare, and utilities.
2. Industry (I) – Sector-Specific Analysis
After selecting a favorable economic environment, analyze the industry to ensure it has long-term
growth potential.
Key Factors to Consider:
Industry Growth Trends – Look for sectors experiencing expansion (AI, EVs, defense, renewable
energy, logistics).
Competitive Landscape – Are a few players dominating, or is it highly competitive?
(Monopolies/duopolies are better.)
Government Support & Regulations – Sectors benefiting from government initiatives (railways,
biofuels, infrastructure) often see sustained growth.
Cyclical vs Defensive Industry – Cyclical industries (automobile, metals) perform well in economic
upturns, while defensive industries (FMCG, pharma) remain stable in downturns.
Outcome:
• Invest in sectors with strong demand, competitive advantage, and government backing.
• Avoid industries facing disruptions or regulatory risks.
3. Company (C) – Stock Selection & Financial Analysis
Once the industry is selected, filter the best company based on financial strength, management quality,
and valuation.
Key Factors to Consider:
Financial Strength:
• Revenue & Profit Growth – Consistent YoY and QoQ growth.
• EBITDA Margins – Higher margins indicate pricing power.
• Low Debt-to-Equity Ratio – Avoid companies with excessive debt.
• ROE & ROCE – Higher return on equity and capital employed signals efficiency.
• Free Cash Flow (FCF) – Positive FCF ensures sustainable operations.
Management & Corporate Governance:
• Promoter Holding – High promoter stake with no pledging is preferable.
• Transparent & Ethical Management – Avoid companies with governance issues.