What are some of the best online courses or resources for learning business valuation?

One great source to learn about business valuation during mergers & acquisitions is AmplifyME's new M&A simulation, run in partnership with UBS. It is free for all students, and you can do it virtually or work with me to arrange an in-person or hybrid event at your school. https://amplifyme.com/mafa

Exploring various online platforms and resources for delving into the intricacies of business valuation has been an enriching journey. From comprehensive courses on financial modeling to in-depth analyses of market trends, there's a plethora of valuable content out there to hone one's skills in this domain. Courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy to be particularly insightful, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Additionally, podcasts and industry-specific forums have been invaluable for staying updated on the latest methodologies and techniques employed in the field. Continuous learning is key, and these resources provide a robust foundation for anyone seeking to master the art of business valuation.

New York University's Stern School of Business offers an online course covering the four essential approaches to valuation: discounted cash flow (DCF), comparables, precedent transactions, and leveraged buyout (LBO) analysis.

Some reputable online courses and resources for learning business valuation include: Coursera: "Business Valuation and Financial Analysis Specialization" offered by the University of Illinois. Udemy: "Business Valuation: Understanding the Time Value of Money" by 365 Careers. NYU Stern School of Business: "Business Valuation" course on the NYU Stern Executive Education platform. American Society of Appraisers: Offers various courses and resources on business valuation. CFA Institute: Provides comprehensive materials on valuation as part of its Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program.

Starting with fundamentals might seem like the obvious route, but diving into real-world cases from the get-go can be more impactful. While theoretical knowledge is beneficial, hands-on experience accelerates learning. Steve Jobs believed in learning by doing, not just by reading manuals. Skip the purely academic and jump into case studies that force you to apply valuation principles practically. Embrace the complexity early, and your understanding will deepen faster than any textbook could achieve.

The AIBB (Australian Institute of Business Brokers) offers accreditation for The Market valuation of small businesses. This program is tailored for mastering the art and science of undertaking market valuations of Small Businesses in Australia.

Do search for Aswath Damodaran on YouTube and you can find some amazing videos on entire valuation as a course. Must watch for someone who wants to build their fundamentals.

Relying solely on blogs for business valuation can lead to a piecemeal understanding. While blogs like Aswath Damodaran’s offer valuable insights, they should complement, not replace, structured learning. Warren Buffett didn’t become an investment guru by reading articles alone; he studied deeply and extensively. Use blogs for current trends and diverse perspectives but ground yourself in comprehensive courses or books. A balanced approach will make you a well-rounded valuation expert.

Attending webinars by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) was instrumental in refining my understanding of business valuation nuances. One particular webinar delved into the intricacies of valuing intellectual property assets, which proved invaluable when assessing the worth of patents for a client in the pharmaceutical industry. The knowledge gained enabled me to provide tailored recommendations, fostering trust and credibility with the client. I pursued an online course on business valuation through Coursera. The practical insights gained from analyzing case studies and applying valuation methodologies significantly enhanced my skills.

The human element in valuation is often overlooked, yet it can make or break a deal. Peter Drucker famously said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Understanding a company's culture, leadership, and employee satisfaction can provide insights that numbers alone can't. For instance, a highly engaged workforce often translates to higher productivity and innovation. Incorporating qualitative assessments into your valuation approach ensures a more holistic and accurate evaluation.

Livro "Damodaran on Valuation" por Aswath Damodaran: Escrito pelo renomado professor Aswath Damodaran, este livro oferece uma abordagem completa sobre valuation de empresas.