Is it mainly anticipating future public perception? Does fundmental analysis even matter?

Maybe someone can offer a different opinion or perspective here.

Isn't deciding what to buy all about predicting or anticipating what the public will think about it in the future? Because ultimately that's how you make a profit; someone paying more than what you paid for.

Does fundmental analysis or the company's health even matter? Or does it only matter if you believe there are still people out there who prefer investing in the healhy/well runned companies?