Analyze and Guide Capital Investments

This course is part of Applied Financial Analysis Specialization

Instructor: ansrsource instructors

Included with

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Category: Capital Budgeting
Category: Portfolio Risk
Category: Spreadsheet Software
Category: Financial Forecasting
Category: Analytical Skills
Category: Financial Data
Category: Risk Analysis
Category: Forecasting
Category: Return On Investment
Category: Data Analysis
Category: Risk Management
Category: Investments
Category: Financial Analysis
Category: Capital Expenditure
Category: Communication
Category: Investment Management
Category: Financial Modeling

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Applied Financial Analysis Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There is 1 module in this course

You’ll begin by comparing investment options through the Sharpe ratio, exploring how volatility affects true performance. Then, you’ll build a three-case IRR model to test upside and downside possibilities for a major capital purchase. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to interpret data, question assumptions, and communicate recommendations that resonate with decision-makers. Through concise videos, guided readings, and hands-on spreadsheet work, you’ll move from analysis to action—learning to produce clear, defensible insights that guide confident investment choices.

Capital investment decisions shape a company’s future—and the best ones balance potential reward with calculated risk. In this intermediate-level course, you’ll learn how to evaluate opportunities using two essential tools in financial analysis: risk-adjusted return metrics and scenario-based forecasting. You’ll begin by comparing investment options through the Sharpe ratio, exploring how volatility affects true performance. Then, you’ll build a three-case IRR model to test upside and downside possibilities for a major capital purchase. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to interpret data, question assumptions, and communicate recommendations that resonate with decision-makers. Through concise videos, guided readings, and hands-on spreadsheet work, you’ll move from analysis to action—learning to produce clear, defensible insights that guide confident investment choices.

What's included

7 videos3 readings3 assignments

7 videosTotal 14 minutes

Introduction and Welcome2 minutes
Sharpe Ratio: Balancing Risk and Reward3 minutes
Case: Comparing Two ETFs2 minutes
Toughest “What If” Decision2 minutes
Planning for Upside and Downside2 minutes
Sensitivity Demo: Inputs to Insight2 minutes
Congratulations and Continuous Learning Journey2 minutes

3 readingsTotal 26 minutes

What the Sharpe Ratio Really Measures10 minutes
Reading Risk-Adjusted Results8 minutes
Structuring Useful Scenarios8 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 50 minutes

Hands-on Activity: Sharpe Ratio in Sheets Practice15 minutes
Hands-on Activity: Build a Three-Case IRR Model15 minutes
Graded Assessment: Capital Investment Challenge20 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

ansrsource instructors

279 Courses24,070 learners

Offered by

Coursera

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Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.