Financial Statement Analysis & Valuation

Catalog description

The goal of this course is to provide the analytical framework students need to scrutinize financial statements, whether they are (i) evaluating a company's stock price, (ii) determining valuations for a merger or acquisition, or (iii) calculating the value of a start-up company from the perspective of a venture capitalist. By understanding the dynamic nature of financial ratios and evaluating the trends in historical series, students will be able to interpret financial statements in today's volatile markets and uncertain economy, and allow them to get past the sometimes biased portrait of a company's performance. Moreover, the course reflects changes in the financial reporting landscape, including issues related to the financial crises of 2008-2009. Prerequisites: FIN 404 with a minimum grade of C.