This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Jean-Pierre Zigrand
Availability
This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, MSc in Finance (full-time), MSc in Finance (full-time) (Work Placement Pathway), MSc in Finance (part-time), MSc in Finance and Economics, MSc in Finance and Economics (Work Placement Pathway), MSc in Finance and Private Equity, MSc in Finance and Private Equity (Work Placement Pathway) and MSc in Risk and Finance. This course is not available as an outside option.
Global MSc in Management (Accounting and Finance concentration only).
This course is not available as an outside option
Pre-requisites
Some familiarity with finance and accounting.
Course content
This course is an applied course on quantitative analysis of investment opportunities in public debt and equity markets. We consider valuation of macro assets (such as government bonds, and diversified portfolios of equities and corporate bonds) as well as the valuation of equities of individual firms and of their risky debt. We rely on theoretical concepts that students have learnt in their core courses (such as the CAPM, no-arbitrage pricing of option and models of corporate debt as contingent claims on a firm’s asset) and also examine in depth the historical behaviour of asset returns. The focus is on applying theoretical and empirical models of asset markets to evaluate investment opportunities in realistic, sometimes, live situations. The course involves in –class analysis of investment questions, extensive analysis of financial data, study of financial statements and analyst reports and two projects. The course is structured around the following topics:
1. Valuation of macro assets I: Global Yield Curves
2. Valuation of macro assets II: Global Equity Indices
3. Valuation of macro assets III: Volatility and Credit Risk Premium
4. Identifying value in individual equities: capturing breadth via quantitative screening systems
5. Digging deep in search of value: case studies on firm-level equity valuation
6. Fair value of growth
7. Valuing single name c redit opportunities: investment-grade and high-yield debt
8. Valuation of the capital structure of banks
Teaching
30 hours of seminars in the LT.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to complete 2 group projects. In the first project, students analyse and value the equity of a publicly traded firm, evaluate its risks and make an investment recommendation. This project is done in two parts: first part focuses on a historical performance analysis of the chosen firm and second on a forward-looking valuation analysis. The second project requires the students to study and critically examine the investment decisions and style of a well-known value investor.
Indicative reading
Books
Academic Articles (Equities)
Academic Articles (Risky debt)
Insights from theoretical models: based on articles such as
Numerous articles written by well-known practitioners and policy makers
Assessment
Continuous assessment (100%) in the LT.
Key facts
Department: Finance
Total students 2019/20: 59
Average class size 2019/20: 60
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.