Equity Research & Financial Statement Analysis

A case study approach

This Coursera course works through equity research using the consolidated financial statements of Walgreen Co. as its running example. Rather than presenting ratios in the abstract, it asks you to apply each technique to a real company's accounts.

Working capital and cash

Working capital efficiency and cash flow evaluation sit at the centre of the case. Looking at receivables, payables and operating efficiency together shows whether a business turns its operations into cash, a question every equity analyst must answer.

Modelling the outcome

Financial modelling and risk analysis are used to move from the historical accounts to a view on the company. Microsoft Excel appears in the skills the course lists, so expect spreadsheet work throughout.