Valuation and Investment Analysis

Valuation and Investment Analysis

This course is part of Accounting and Financial Modelling Bootcamp Specialization

Instructors: Michael McDonald

Included with

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3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Apply time value of money and discounted cash flow techniques to value projects and companies.
Use relative valuation methods such as market multiples and comparables analysis.
Interpret valuation results in the context of investment decisions and market expectations.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Microsoft Excel

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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This course is part of the Accounting and Financial Modelling Bootcamp Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This course develops the core skills required for valuation and investment analysis in corporate finance and capital markets. You will learn how to value businesses, projects, and financial assets using both intrinsic valuation and relative valuation approaches. The course begins with the time value of money, discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, and the estimation of free cash flow, WACC, and terminal value. It then examines market-based methods, including EV/EBITDA, P/E ratios, comparables analysis, and precedent transactions.

Using Excel-based financial modeling, you will build DCF models, conduct sensitivity and scenario analysis, and interpret valuation outputs in the context of risk and investor expectations. The course also explores simulation techniques and the integration of AI tools in financial modeling, with attention to governance and model validation. By the end, you will be able to apply valuation frameworks to assess corporate value, analyze investment risk, and support data-driven financial decision-making.

This module lays the groundwork for all valuation techniques by focusing on the time value of money. Learners will explore present value, future value, annuities, and discounting methods. The goal is to develop comfort with applying basic financial math to solve real-world problems involving cash flows, rates of return, and opportunity cost.

What's included

11 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

11 videos Total 68 minutes

Intro Video to Course 2 minutes
Module Introduction 1 minute
Understanding WACC and Its Components 8 minutes
Calculating Cost of Equity Using CAPM 7 minutes
Cost of Debt and the Tax Shield Effect 5 minutes
Calculating Unlevered Free Cash Flow 7 minutes
Modeling Taxes, Depreciation, and Working Capital 6 minutes
Building the Cash Flow Forecast Period 8 minutes
Gordon Growth vs. Exit Multiple Method 9 minutes
Present Value and Enterprise to Equity Bridge 8 minutes
Sensitivity Tables and Valuation Summary 7 minutes

2 readings Total 10 minutes

Welcome to the Course: Course Overview 5 minutes
Time Value of Money: What It Is and How It Works 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 20 minutes

Time Value of Money and Discounting Fundamentals 20 minutes

1 peer review Total 30 minutes

Hands-On-Learning: Estimating WACC and Unlevered Free Cash Flow 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

The Role of WACC in Corporate Decision-Making 10 minutes

This module introduces the most commonly used valuation models: the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model and relative valuation using multiples. Students will learn how to construct a DCF model using forecasted free cash flows and terminal value, and how to derive firm value using comparables like EV/EBITDA and P/E ratios. Emphasis is placed on understanding each method’s assumptions and limitations, and when to use each in real-world scenarios.

What's included

10 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

10 videos Total 75 minutes

Module Introduction 1 minute
Building the Cash Flow Forecast Period 13 minutes
Toggle Switches and Output Tables 7 minutes
Probability Weighting and Expected Value Analysis 8 minutes
Introduction to Simulation and Randomization 9 minutes
Modeling Distributions in Excel 9 minutes
Running Simulations and Interpreting Outputs 6 minutes
Break-Even and Sensitivity to Assumptions 8 minutes
Financial Covenant and Coverage Testing 8 minutes
Liquidity Runway and Downside Resilience 6 minutes

1 reading Total 5 minutes

Time Value of Money: How to Calculate the PV and FV (CFI) 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 20 minutes

Valuation Models: DCF and Multiples 20 minutes

1 peer review Total 30 minutes

Hands-On-Learning: Building Scenario Toggles and Probability-Weighted Valuation 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

The Terminal Value Dilemma 10 minutes

This module explores how artificial intelligence is transforming financial modeling, from automating data gathering and cleaning to generating forecasts and stress-test scenarios. Learners will gain a practical understanding of AI tools available to finance professionals, learn how to apply them in model building, and understand the governance, validation, and risk considerations necessary for reliable results. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped to integrate AI into their workflows effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

What's included

11 videos1 reading1 assignment2 peer reviews1 discussion prompt

11 videos Total 60 minutes

Module Introduction 2 minutes
What is AI-Driven Financial Modeling? 8 minutes
Types of AI Tools and Their Applications in Finance 5 minutes
Benefits and Risks of AI in Modeling 6 minutes
Using AI to Automate Data Cleaning and Input Gathering 5 minutes
AI-Assisted Forecasting and Scenario Generation 4 minutes
Case Study: Applying AI to a Financial Model 5 minutes
Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability in AI Models 4 minutes
Risks and Cautionary Notes in AI Financial Tools 10 minutes
Integrating AI into Existing Financial Models 7 minutes
Course Wrap-Up 3 minutes

1 reading Total 5 minutes

AI in Financial Modeling: Applications, Benefits, and Development 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 20 minutes

Financial Modeling with AI 20 minutes

2 peer reviews Total 90 minutes

Hands-On-Learning: Running Simulations and Sensitivity Analysis 30 minutes
Project: Valuing a Company Using the Complete DCF Framework 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Scenario Planning in Valuation 10 minutes

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Instructors

Michael McDonald

Starweaver

8 Courses 1,542 learners

Offered by

Starweaver

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