Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Investments II (Face-to-Face)

FIN 4760-01

Course: FIN 4760-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ACFN
CRN: 30218

Course Description

3 Credit(s)
An extension of FIN 3750, Investment II is an advanced finance course focusing on portfolio management, performance evaluation, derivatives strategies, risk management, and equity valuation. Students will apply theoretical concepts through modeling assignments and complete a term project culminating in a professional valuation report. This course is designed to align with the CFA curriculum to prepare you for the professional exam on the covered topics. [Graded (Standard Letter)]
Prerequisite(s): FIN 3750 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D-

Required Texts

Investments (Bodie, Kane, and Marcus, 13th Edition)

With inclusive access, you will be able to access your textbook and will be charged through the school if you don’t drop the class by the deadline. See the instructions on Canvas to sign up for access to your textbook and Connect.

Required Software

You will need to use Excel for this class. Please make sure you have access to a full version of Excel since we are going to use some advanced modeling, which may not be available in web versions. A financial calculator will not be used in this class.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply quantitative methods to portfolio theory and asset pricing.
  • Evaluate portfolio performance and develop investment policy statements.
  • Analyze and implement options strategies and risk management techniques.
  • Perform comprehensive equity valuation using DCF and multiples.
  • Produce a professional-grade valuation report integrating financial analysis and ethical considerations.

Course Requirements

Your grade will be based on the following assignments.

Participation (10%)

Participation is based on consistent class attendance and active engagement in in-class exercises. Students are expected to contribute to discussions, complete any in-class activities, and be present for the full duration of scheduled sessions. Missing class or skipping in-class work will impact the participation grade.

Homework and Modeling Assignments (25%)

There will be weekly homework or Excel modeling assignments throughout the semester, covering both conceptual understanding and hands-on modeling applications in Excel. Topics include quantitative methods, portfolio theory, and valuation techniques. Assignments are designed to reinforce lecture material, prepare you for the exams, and build skills necessary for the term project.
Due Dates: Typically one week after they are assigned.
Submission: Must be submitted via Canvas before the deadline.

Three Exams (15% each)

The exams are not cumulative and cover material from the last exam. They consist of two parts:
  • In-Class Section (Closed Book): Administered during class time. Students may bring a personalized exam note sheet (note policy to be announced).
  • Take-Home Section: Distributed after the in-class exam and due within a specified timeframe.

Term Project – Valuation Report (20%)

Students will complete a comprehensive equity valuation project either individually or in teams of up to three. Additional guidance and grading criteria will be provided.
Grading Breakdown
Assignments | Weight
Participation | 10%
Homework/Modeling Assignments | 25%
Exam 1 | 15%
Exam 2 | 15%
Exam 3 | 15%
Term Project (Excel Modeling & Report) | 20%
Your final letter grade will be assigned based on the following:
Letter Grade Scale
Letter Grade | Range
A | 100% to 93.33%
A- | < 93.33% to 90%
B+ | < 90% to 86.66%
B | < 86.66% to 83.33%
B- | < 83.33% to 80%
C+ | < 80% to 76.66%
C | < 76.66% to 73.33%
C- | < 73.33% to 70%
D+ | < 70% to 66.66%
D | < 66.66% to 63.33%
D- | < 63.33% to 60%
F | < 60% to 0%

Course Outline

   | MODULE  | TOPICS  | CHAPTERS
 | 1  | Introduction /Quant Methods  | 1,3,5
 | 2  | Portfolio Theories  | 6,7
 | 3  | Index Model  | 9,10
 | 4  | CAPM & Multifactor Models & APT  | 11,12,13
 | 5  | Performance Evaluation Methods  | 24
 | 6  | Portfolio Management & IPS  | 27,28
 | 7  | Options Valuation and Strategy  | 20,21
 | 8  | Risk Management  | 23
 | 9  | Equity Valuation Introduction  | 18
 | 10  | Financial Statement Analysis  | 19
 | 11  | DCF Models and Valuation Inputs (Modeling)  | 18,19
 | 12  | Relative Valuation and Multiples (Modeling)  | 18,19
 | 13  | Valuation Report and Ethics  | 28
 | 14  | Term Project 
 |   | Term Project  | FINALS WEEK

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

If you plan to miss or have missed a class, an exam, or an assignment, or submitted an assignment after the due date, SUU policy requires that you petition the Office of Student Affairs for an excused absence. Student Affairs can issue an excused absence if your circumstances are extenuating. If you have a disability, contact the Office of Disabilities.

I respect your privacy. Extenuating circumstances are often highly personal, and you should share these personal details with a professional. Talk with Student Affairs, and if your situation is serious, they will ask me to work with you.

Late submission: If you submit an assignment after the due date, for every day your work is late, 20% of the points earned will be deducted. For example, if a student scored 80 points out of a possible 100 points and submitted the work 2 days late, she would earn 80/100 * (1 - (0.20 * 2)) = 48% with a minimum score of 0%. Unexcused missing assignments earn a zero.

Exams: If you miss an exam or plan to miss an exam, you will need an excused absence from Student Affairs. If you have a final exam during Finals Week, do not plan to travel before the exam date. If you are not present on the scheduled date and time (see SUU Final Exam Schedule), you will earn a zero.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is required for this class. Attendance will be taken each class meeting. Missing classes will result in a low participation grade.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.