Thomas Rauter

The course covers advanced financial analysis and valuation for global firms. It is designed for students that already have a basic familiarity with corporate valuation and DCF analysis (e.g., from corporate finance class or a prior job) as well as solid accounting knowledge. We cover financial analysis of different business models, specific situations (e.g., cyclicals, young growth companies, closely-held firms) as well as the analysis and valuation of foreign companies (e.g., emerging markets, reporting under IFRS). Capital markets have become increasingly global, providing more opportunities for corporate investments and M&A abroad. Evaluating these global investments, however, poses unique challenges for financial analysis (e.g., regarding information, accounting and governance) as well as valuation problems. This course is likely useful for students who aim for careers in consulting, investment banking, investment management, equity or credit analysis, transaction services, private equity and venture capital, as well as accounting and corporate finance, including M&A functions. It is a capstone class, drawing on several other classes at Booth.

The main goal of the research-seminar class is to help Ph.D. students transition from course work to research. The seminar is intended to support this transition by developing students’ research questions and papers. The course is meant to provide students feedback from multiple faculty so they can further develop research ideas into a high-quality dissertation. In the process, Ph.D. students also learn how to present ideas and give feedback to classmates.

This course provides an introduction to financial statements and the financial reporting process from a user's perspective. The focus of the course is on fundamental accounting concepts and principles. Students learn how the economic transactions of a firm are reported in the financial statements and related disclosures. The objective of the course is to provide students with basic skills necessary to read and analyze financial statements as well as to prepare students for more advanced financial statement analysis courses.