Why is Financial Valuation Important for Companies and Investors?

A company possesses various assets and securities. Valuation is important to evaluate the present market value of an asset. Also when considering the viewpoint of a business, valuation is the method with the help of which a company analyses the hypothetical cost that another entity would pay to acquire the concerned asset. Liabilities can also come under financial valuation. Such valuation is performed to estimate the cost of discharging such liabilities.

Moreover, the term ‘intrinsic value’ talks about the perceived value of a security or an asset that can relent potential future income. Business analysts undertake valuation in order to determine whether a company’s security or an asset is overpriced or underpriced in the current capital markets.

Understanding how to deal with financial services and conduct valuation in the capital markets is not easy. It can be tricky sometimes, but a good advanced management program is all one needs to get a hang of it. Read along to know why it is important for businesses and investors to perform the valuation.

What is Financial Valuation?

Financial valuation is the process of evaluating the present value of a company’s worth, asset or stock in the capital markets. The valuation can be for the investments of the company or the various assets that a business owns. Business analysts who want to look at the prospective future of an organisation or want to ascertain the value of certain assets in the capital markets perform the financial valuation with the help of multiple valuation techniques.

The main motive behind conducting financial valuation is to evaluate the present standing of an asset or prospective investment area and what result it can yield in the future. Valuation in the capital markets is associated with insightful fundamental analysis which seeks to understand the fundamental drivers of a business. This, however, is exclusive of the core meaning of valuation.

Buyers and investors tend to deal a lot in the stock market. A financial services course can help one learn the process of valuation to effectively instil the knowledge of trade in securities and exchange. Such professionals can become an asset to a company for conducting reliable and safe valuations. 

Why Perform Financial Valuation?

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Valuation is an integral aspect of financial services as it can help to point out assets and securities that are wrongly priced. It also helps to recognise the area of investments that a company should focus on. Some major reasons why a company should perform valuation are stated as under:

Acquisition or disposal of business

Valuation is a great technique to come to a market value of a business when the owner wants to sell it and a buyer wants to acquire it. Mainly, buyers and sellers have differences in the valuation of a company. After discussions and mutual understanding, both parties come to a decision and final price or valuation that will lock the deal of buying and selling the business.

Strategic planning

The importance of strategic planning cannot be overruled. A financial management course can be a guide that can teach one the ideas of strategic planning. It also enables a company to make the right choice in which project to invest in and how to increase the net worth of the company. It creates value for the company and increases its profitability.

Investment financing

Another prime reason for conducting valuation is when a company needs to attract funds from banks or other financial institutions. From the viewpoint of investors, looking at the valuation of a company is important as it will give them an idea about the cash flow, credibility and creditworthiness of the company.

Investing in securities

A mere assumption about the present market value of a security does not reflect reliability. The market value of securities like a stock or a bond keeps on changing and it requires proper valuation at the time of investing. Thus, the determination of the inherent value requires running a valuation.

Increased Knowledge of the organisation’s assets

Proper business valuation assessment is significantly important so that a company can avoid making generalised estimates and assumptions. Specific and meaningful valuation numbers are important for companies so that they can analyse how much to invest in and what areas. It also helps in obtaining appropriate insurance coverage and how to run the operations of the business so that it can yield profits.

Methods of Financial Valuation

There are several methods for valuing an organisation. Some of the major valuation techniques are stated as follows:

  • Market Capitalisation: Market capitalisation is the most straightforward and widely used approach to valuation. It is computed by dividing the share price of the company by the total number of outstanding shares.
  • Times Revenue Method: According to the Times revenue method of valuation, it is calculated by considering a stream of revenue produced within a predetermined period of time. The amount of revenue is then multiplied by a factor that is dependent on the particular sector and the state of the economy.
  • Earnings Multiplier: The earnings multiplier method gives a better and more accurate result when compared to the Times revenue method. It calculates the financial status of the company by looking at the profits and not the sales revenue. This method compares the profits that are projected to cash flow that might be invested for a specific amount of time at the current rate of interest.
  • Discounted Cash Flow Method (DCF): The DCF approach is based on projections and forecasts of future cash flow. it takes the factor of inflation into consideration and modifies the calculation to derive the company’s present market value. 

Conclusion

Financial valuation is a complex process and it can be difficult for a young professional to learn it. However, an advanced management program can become a great helping hand for inculcating insightful knowledge about the techniques and ways of performing financial valuation.

Imarticus Learning offers the IIM Lucknow Capital Markets certification course that can help you to enhance your skills in the related field. This comprehensive course is your one-stop destination for inculcating all the major knowledge and techniques about valuation.

Consequently, if you wish to further your profession in finance or deepen your grasp of capital markets, think about signing up for the Advanced Management Program in Financial Services and Capital Markets by Imarticus.

Explain top 6 types of ethical hacking

Ethical hacking has emerged as an established route for businesses to test the capabilities of their network security systems and understand the level of robustness in the IT infrastructure. An organisation usually either sets up an internal team or outsources the task of ethical hacking to a set of professionals. The key task here is to understand the level of security in the IT infrastructure and identify the possible weaknesses for corrective action.

Ethical hacking is of various types. Each type of ethical hacking has its set of advantages and disadvantages. A business needs to have clarity about the various types of ethical hacking so that we can make the right decision about the future roadmap.

What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hacking is a solution with which a business can test a computer system or network for possible threats and gaps. The role of ethical hacking is to ensure that a business has an IT infrastructure that is not prone to any hacking threats.

As businesses are stuck with the day-to-day operational requirements, they often end up ignoring the role of ethical hacking in maintaining the IT infrastructure. These tests are usually performed by skilled professionals without the intent to take advantage of the gaps. Rather, the intent here is to break into the system to help improve the level of security in the organisation.

Top 6 Types of Ethical Hacking

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Ethical hacking work requires a combination of skills, techniques, and methods to test the level of security in IT infrastructure. Here are the top 6 types of ethical hacking:

1.       Black box testing

In the case of black box testing, the ethical hacker does not have any prior information about the system and software being used. It is a use-case scenario where the ethical hacker is approaching it from the outside and trying to break in with brute force. Black box testing is known as one of the most practical instances of ethical hacking. As a hacker would try to exploit security loopholes to do damage, a similar scenario is created in this type of testing.

2.       White-box testing

In the case of white box testing, the ethical hacker is aware of the system, its working, possible weakness, and other related detail. It is usually performed in cases where companies want to test how their systems hold up against pressure in real-world scenarios. It helps a business identify how a system performs in a production environment where the actual attackers will try to exploit the possible vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers work closely with IT departments to ensure that they do not break any laws in the process. Code inspection, statement coverage, and data-flow analysis are some examples of white-box testing.

3.       Grey-box testing

Grey-box testing is placed between white and black-box testing. It is a scenario where ethical hackers have some level of information about the system. Professionals use technical knowledge along with deductive reasoning skills to identify possible loopholes in the IT security system and network. Some of the popular grey-box testing examples include security tests, performance tests, and usability tests.

4.       Web application hacking

Web application hacking is mainly used to assess the possible weaknesses and vulnerabilities in web-based applications. These applications are usually written in languages like HTML, Javascript, and CSS. In addition, other languages like PHP and Ruby on Rails can also be used to develop web applications. The nature of these languages is such that specific actions on an application or website can be performed without proper authorization. For instance, cross-site scripting (XSS) can include injecting malicious code into the HTML structure of the website. Web application hacking mainly includes protecting the developed application against such attempts.

5.       Hacking wireless networks

It is a type of ethical hacking where the strength of wireless networks is tested to ensure their safety. Accessing a computer network without proper authorization requires exploiting the weak points in the security system of the network. Wardriving is a common example in the case of hacking wireless networks. It is a type of hacking in which a hacker drives with a laptop or any other device that can catch wireless networks. Poorly protected networks are a key casualty in this type of hacking.

6.       Web server hacking

Any website or software requires a web server on the back end. This type of ethical hacking requires checking the strength of the web server. A server usually includes details of the database like user details, passwords, etc. DoS attacks, port scans, and Sniffing are the usual type of hacking that is used to attack web servers to gain access.

Advanced Certification Program In Cyber Security from IIT Roorkee and Imarticus Learning

IIT Cybersecurity Course covers the topic of ethical hacking along with other modules to provide a deep learning experience in the area of cybersecurity. It is a leading cybersecurity course with placement assistance that follows a live online training method and provides certification by the CEC, IIT Roorkee upon completion. The live training by IIT faculty and campus immersion opportunity from the institute provides a unique learning experience. Click here to know more.

How can I make a successful career by pursuing a Machine Learning and AI course?

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for skilled professionals in the field of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has skyrocketed. As a result, pursuing an ML and AI course can offer a path towards a highly rewarding career.

In this article, we will explore how to become a successful AI Engineer and develop a fulfilling career in ML and AI.

Steps to Become a Successful AI Engineer

1. Developing a Strong Foundation

To become a successful AI Engineer, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of ML and AI. Some of the key skills required include programming, data analysis and knowledge of algorithms and statistical modelling. Pursuing an ML and AI course can provide a structured approach to gaining these skills.

2. Choosing the Right Course

Choosing the right ML and AI course is crucial to gaining the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in this field. Various online and offline courses are available, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Factors to consider when selecting a course include the reputation of the institution, course content and the availability of hands-on experience opportunities.

To pursue a career in ML and AI, the following skills are required:

Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R and Java

Knowledge of statistical modelling, probability theory and data analysis

Familiarity with ML libraries and frameworks, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch and Scikit-learn.

3. Hands-on Experience

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One of the most crucial aspects of becoming a successful AI engineer is having hands-on experience applying ML and AI techniques to real-world problems. A good ML and AI course will provide ample opportunities for students to practice and apply these skills.

4. Building a Portfolio

Building a portfolio of projects is an excellent way to showcase your skills and expertise to potential employers. Completing real-world projects can also help you gain practical experience and hone your problem-solving skills. Sharing your portfolio online through platforms like GitHub can help you gain visibility and connect with other professionals in the field.

5. Networking and Collaborating

Networking and collaborating with other ML and AI professionals is essential to building a successful career in this field. Connecting with others through online forums, attending industry events and collaborating on projects can help you gain valuable insights and expand your knowledge.

6. Keeping Up With the Latest Trends

Machin learning and AI are rapidly evolving fields. So, it is crucial to stay current with the latest trends and technologies. Regularly reading research papers, attending conferences and participating in online courses can help you stay up to date with the latest developments in the field.

7. Overcoming Challenges

Pursuing a career in ML and AI can be challenging. So, it is essential to be prepared for common obstacles such as a lack of practical experience, difficulty finding job opportunities and managing the steep learning curve. It is essential to stay focused, committed and persist through these challenges.

8. Job Opportunities and Career Paths

A career in ML and AI offers numerous job opportunities in various industries such as healthcare, finance and technology. Some common roles include Data Scientist, ML Engineer and AI Researcher.

In healthcare, predictive models assist with diagnosis and treatment planning, while in finance, algorithms detect and prevent fraud.

In the technology industry, ML and AI are used to automate tasks, improve user experience and develop intelligent systems.

Data Scientists collect and interpret complex data sets, while ML Engineers develop and deploy ML systems.

AI Researchers conduct research and develop new algorithms to improve the capabilities of intelligent systems.

Pursuing an ML and AI course can provide a pathway towards these rewarding and high-paying career paths.

Embracing the Future of Work

Artificial intelligence is a super cool technology that can do amazing things. It can help us solve some of the world’s biggest problems like climate change, food and water shortages and disease.

AI is getting better and smarter every day, and it’s becoming a big deal in the job market. Lots of companies are looking for people with AI and ML skills.

In the next five years, there will be a lot more jobs in AI. AI is already making a big impact

on the healthcare industry by changing the way doctors diagnose and treat illnesses.

Wrapping Up

Pursuing a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence course can provide a path towards a successful career in this rapidly evolving field. By developing a strong foundation, gaining hands-on experience, building a portfolio, networking and keeping up with the latest trends, you can become a successful AI engineer and achieve your career goals.

Imarticus Learning provides structured technical proficiency development courses for fresh graduates, young professionals, and individuals seeking to enhance their skills.