Financial Analysis - Business Valuation, DCF, IRR, and more from Udemy

If you're in the finance or accounting world (or aspire to be), you need to know how to create a discounted cash flow model (DCF) to value a company or project.

What will you learn in this course?

Build a complete, working discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel from scratch, using a fictional private company
Value a company using the DCF and multiples approach
Use We'll start with the basics and walk you through piece by piece.
In this course, we’ll build a complete, working discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel from scratch, using a fictional private company. Our course will teach you how to calculate the cost of equity, WACC, and levered/unlevered beta.
With this knowledge, we’ll calculate the discounted free cash flow and the terminal value. From there, we’ll learn how to value a company using the multiples approach. We top off the course be learning how to analyze the financial viability of a new project using methods such as
What makes our course so awesome?
- 38 page easy to understand guide: Our workbook is super easy to understand and reference for later dates
- Real world case-studies: In depth, real-world case studies using both real and fictitious companies
- Fun: Light-hearted, fun, and enjoyable course (we never take ourselves too seriously)
- Knowledgeable instructor: Nate is a CPA and has spent his career valuing companies and analyzing financial statements
- No fluff: We don’t teach theory or waste your time with useless information. Everything we teach you can start applying TODAY
This course is the first part of a 3 part series on the financial statements. The first course focuses on learning the financial statements (Financial Statement Analysis) and the second on on financial modeling (Financial Modeling Bootcamp). We use the same case study in all three courses so your knowledge builds as you build your knowledge.
Let's start learning.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Build a complete, working discounted cash flow (dcf) model in excel from scratch
Value a company using the dcf and multiples approach
Use irr, roe, and npv to analyze a project's feasibility

Calculate the weighted average cost of capital (wacc)
Calculate the cost of equity using the capital asset pricing model (capm)
Determine the terminal value of a cash flow stream

Build a complete, working discounted cash flow (dcf) model in excel from scratch
Value a company using the dcf and multiples approach
Use irr, roe, and npv to analyze a project's feasibility
Calculate the weighted average cost of capital (wacc)
Calculate the cost of equity using the capital asset pricing model (capm)
Determine the terminal value of a cash flow stream

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course!

Intro to the case study

Resources

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, which is a core skill for finance and accounting professionals who want to value companies or projects

Uses Excel to build a DCF model, which is a practical skill that can be immediately applied in real-world financial analysis scenarios

Explores the multiples approach to valuation, which provides learners with a more comprehensive understanding of company valuation techniques

Requires learners to have Microsoft Excel, which may require some learners to purchase a license if they do not already have one

Belongs to a series of three courses, which may require learners to take additional courses to gain a more complete understanding of financial statements

Reviews summary

Practical financial valuation and modeling

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical approach to financial analysis and valuation. Many students praised the step-by-step process for building DCF models in Excel, finding it clear and easy to follow. The instructor's engaging style and the provided workbook were frequently highlighted as positives. While several found it excellent for beginners seeking foundational skills, a few reviewers noted that the course could lack depth in more advanced areas or felt some later topics were rushed. Overall, students view it as a valuable course for learning core valuation techniques applicable to the real world.

Style is engaging but perhaps informal.

"Nate's teaching style is engaging and keeps you motivated."

"...maybe a bit too informal for my taste."

"...the instructor's 'fun' approach sometimes distracted from the serious nature of the topic."

Workbook is a useful reference.

"Our workbook is super easy to understand and reference for later dates."

"The workbook is a great resource."

"The workbook is a fantastic reference."

"The Excel files provided were well-organized."

Instructor explains complex topics well.

"Nate breaks down complex topics like WACC and DCF modeling into easy-to-understand steps."

"As a beginner, I found this course incredibly helpful... Nate's explanations were crystal clear."

"The instructor is knowledgeable and explains things clearly."

Focuses on hands-on modeling skills.

"Building the model step-by-step in Excel was invaluable."

"Focuses on building the model rather than just theory, which is exactly what I needed."

"Invaluable skills taught in a clear and practical way... Excel build was key."

"The Excel exercises are super practical and align perfectly with the syllabus."

Found confusing or rushed by some.

"Sometimes felt a bit rushed in later sections on project valuation."

"...the project valuation part was confusing."

"The project valuation section was useful."

Good foundation, but not for advanced learners.

"I felt it lacked depth in some areas, especially around sensitivity analysis and different valuation methods."

"Good starting point, but probably need more advanced courses afterwards."

"Wish there were a few more advanced tips or alternative approaches discussed."

"Honestly, parts of this felt superficial."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Analysis - Business Valuation, DCF, IRR, and more with these activities:

Review Financial Accounting Principles

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of fundamental accounting principles to better grasp the financial statements used in valuation.

Browse courses on Financial Accounting

Show steps

Review key accounting concepts.
Practice analyzing financial statements.

Read 'The Little Book of Valuation' by Aswath Damodaran

Show steps

Gain a quick and easy-to-understand overview of valuation concepts.

View The Little Book of Valuation on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover.
Take notes on key concepts.

Read 'Investment Valuation' by Aswath Damodaran

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of valuation methodologies with a comprehensive guide.

View Investment Valuation, University Edition: Tools... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on DCF valuation.
Work through the examples provided.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice DCF Modeling in Excel

Show steps

Solidify your DCF modeling skills through repetitive exercises in Excel.

Show steps

Build a DCF model from scratch using provided data.
Modify assumptions and analyze the impact on valuation.
Compare results with different valuation methods.

Project: Analyze a Project's Feasibility

Show steps

Test your skills by analyzing the financial viability of a new project using IRR, ROE, and NPV.

Show steps

Define the project scope and assumptions.
Project the project's cash flow.
Calculate ROI and IRR.
Calculate NPV and breakeven.

Build a DCF Model for a Public Company

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by building a DCF model for a real-world public company.

Show steps

Select a public company to analyze.
Gather financial data from public sources.
Build a DCF model in Excel.
Present your findings in a report.

Create a Valuation Case Study Presentation

Show steps

Solidify your understanding by creating a presentation summarizing a valuation case study.

Show steps

Select a valuation case study.
Summarize the key findings.
Create a presentation with visuals.
Present your findings to peers.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Analysis - Business Valuation, DCF, IRR, and more will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst relies on methods of valuation, such as discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, to provide strategic advice to companies. This course will help develop a financial analyst's skills by walking through the process of building a DCF model from scratch, calculating WACC, and performing a valuation using the multiples approach. The course's hands-on approach, using real world case studies, is directly relevant to the day-to-day work of a financial analyst. Since the course focuses on creating a DCF model in Excel, it will benefit anyone seeking to strengthen their technical abilities as they relate to financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Valuation Analyst

A valuation analyst focuses on valuing businesses, assets, and liabilities for purposes ranging from mergers and acquisitions to financial reporting. This course is very relevant to what a valuation analyst does since it specifically aims to teach company valuation. The course covers methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF) and the multiples approach. The course will go in-depth about techniques such as calculating the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), as well as determining the terminal value of a cash flow stream, which are all skills a valuation analyst will depend on.

See salaries and explore the career path for Valuation Analyst

Equity Research Associate

An equity research associate performs analysis on publicly traded companies. They use financial modeling to form their own valuations, which are then put into reports. This course will help an equity research associate with valuation by teaching how to create a discounted cash flow (DCF) model from scratch and value a company using the multiples approach. This course is very helpful for an aspiring equity research associate because it provides in-depth instruction on methods that are crucial for the role, such as using the capital asset pricing model to calculate the cost of equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity Research Associate

Private Equity Associate

A private equity associate performs financial modeling, due diligence, and analysis of potential investments. This course will help a private equity associate build their valuation skills by teaching how to create a discounted cash flow (DCF) model from start to finish. The course is useful because it covers key concepts such as calculating the weighted average cost of capital and using the capital asset pricing model to calculate the cost of equity. The course includes an examination of the multiples approach to valuation which is also a valuable skill to develop. Those interested in working in private equity may find the course to be a great way to learn the required financial and valuation techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Associate

Investment Banking Analyst

An investment banking analyst performs financial analysis and valuation for companies seeking to raise capital or are involved in mergers and acquisitions. This course may be useful for an investment banking analyst because it covers discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, which is a core skill in the field. The course will help build a foundation in valuation methods by taking learners through the steps of building a DCF model from start to finish. The course's focus on using Excel, along with case studies, will be very relevant to the day-to-day work of an investment banking analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banking Analyst

Corporate Development Analyst

A corporate development analyst is responsible for financial analysis related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic investments. This course is a strong fit because it teaches discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, which is a key skill for corporate development roles. This course may also assist with their knowledge of multiples valuation. The course provides hands-on experience by building a full DCF model and determining the terminal value. A corporate development analyst will put these techniques to use in almost any transaction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Development Analyst

Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

A mergers and acquisitions analyst works on transactions where companies are bought, sold, or merged. This role requires strong valuation skills. This course may help a mergers and acquisitions analyst because it covers discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and valuation using the multiples approach, both of which are essential in the field. The course teaches how to build a DCF model from scratch and how to calculate the weighted average cost of capital, which is a valuable skill in mergers and acquisitions modeling. The project analysis techniques, such as net present value, are also relevant when assessing the feasibility of a deal.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

Financial Planning Analyst

A financial planning analyst develops financial plans, analyzes budgets, and forecasts future financial performance for a company. This course may be useful to a financial planning analyst as it covers financial modeling, valuation techniques, and project analysis. The course emphasizes building discounted cash flow models, which the analyst can use to evaluate the financial performance of various projects. Also, the course will teach how to use internal rate of return and net present value, which are relevant for analyzing a project's feasibility. Overall, these teachings provide a strong foundation for a financial planning analyst to assess the projected returns of a variety of initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planning Analyst

Hedge Fund Analyst

A hedge fund analyst performs financial analysis and due diligence on investment opportunities, often using sophisticated valuation techniques. This course will help a hedge fund analyst learn to value a company using discounted cash flow (DCF) models. This course takes the user through the steps of creating a DCF in Excel and calculating the weighted average cost of capital. The course also teaches the multiples approach to valuation which can be useful for a hedge fund analyst. This course may provide useful background in financial modeling that an analyst can apply to their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hedge Fund Analyst

Portfolio Analyst

A portfolio analyst helps manage investments in a portfolio. They analyze financial data and research investment opportunities, and this course could help. It covers how to build a discounted cash flow model, value a company, and use metrics like internal rate of return to analyze a project's feasibility. A portfolio analyst can apply the course’s lessons to evaluate potential investments and manage risk. In particular, the course's practical approach, with real world case studies, may help a portfolio analyst build their valuation skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Analyst

Business Development Analyst

A business development analyst identifies potential business opportunities and analyzes their financial feasibility. This course may be helpful for a business development analyst since it covers discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling and project valuation. The course includes real world case studies and teaches how to use internal rate of return and net present value to analyze a project’s feasibility. This course may be helpful because it provides an understanding of techniques used to assess the viability of potential opportunities. It includes hands on experience using Excel, which is relevant for a business development analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Analyst

Real Estate Analyst

A real estate analyst evaluates the financial viability of real estate investments. The concepts taught in this course are applicable to real estate finance. This course may assist a real estate analyst as it teaches about discounted cash flow (DCF) models, which can be used to value a real estate project. The course also explains how to use internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV) to assess a project's feasibility. The course’s lessons help develop a foundation for a real estate analyst who seeks to value investment properties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Analyst

Management Consultant

A management consultant works with companies to solve business problems, often with a financial component. This course may be useful for a management consultant since it covers methods of financial valuation. The course will teach discounted cash flow modeling (DCF) and the multiples approach to valuation. The course also covers how to calculate the weighted average cost of capital and the cost of equity. By taking this course, a management consultant may develop useful financial skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Credit Analyst

A credit analyst assesses the creditworthiness of borrowers, often using discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques to analyze financial statements. This course may be useful for a credit analyst because it covers the DCF method, as well as other skills. The course teaches learners how to value a company using both the DCF model and the multiples approach. The course includes in-depth instruction on crucial concepts such as how to calculate the weighted average cost of capital. A credit analyst may find the course useful in developing practical skills related to credit evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Financial Advisor

A financial advisor assists clients with their investment and financial planning goals. This course may be useful for a financial advisor because it covers discounted cash flow (DCF) models and project analysis. The course introduces methods such as calculating the weighted average cost of capital and using internal rate of return to analyze projects. These are all useful techniques for understanding the financial viability of different investment opportunities. Those who aspire to be a financial advisor may find the course useful for developing their skills in financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Financial Analysis - Business Valuation, DCF, IRR, and more.

Investment Valuation, University Edition

Save

Comprehensive guide to valuation techniques, covering DCF, relative valuation, and contingent claim valuation. It provides a detailed explanation of the underlying principles and practical applications of each method. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. It adds significant depth to the course material and serves as an excellent reference for advanced topics.

Investment Valuation, University Edition: Tools and...

Kindle Edition

$$$

The Little Book of Valuation

Save

Provides a concise overview of valuation principles and techniques. It covers the basics of DCF, relative valuation, and other methods in an accessible format. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is helpful in providing background knowledge and a simplified approach to valuation.

The Little Book of Valuation

Paperback

Check price

The Little Book of Valuation

Kindle Edition

Check price

Financial Analysis - Business Valuation, DCF, IRR, and more

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical financial valuation and modeling

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses