Foundations of Investment Banking

This unit introduces learners to the structure, history, regulation, and core activities of investment banking, including IPOs, M&A, LBOs, and the roles of key market participants. Students will practice interpreting SEC filings, income statements, basic valuation multiples, and market data tools to prepare for deeper valuation, deal execution, and client advisory work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze SEC filings (e.g., S-1, 10-K, 10-Q) and company income statements to extract revenue drivers, profitability metrics, and key disclosures for a given company case study
• Apply market data and basic valuation techniques—including common valuation multiples and preliminary discounted cash flow inputs using Bloomberg or equivalent sources—to produce a relative valuation estimate
• Demonstrate understanding of core investment banking transactions by outlining the steps, participant roles, and deal objectives for IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts
• Evaluate the historical and regulatory context (e.g., Glass-Steagall, dot-com era, revenue recognition issues) and assess ethical and reporting risks that affect investor decision-making and deal structuring