About the Authors ix
Foreword by Howard Marks xv
Acknowledgments xix
Disclaimer xxv
Introduction 1
Chapter One Step I: Idea Generation 19
Screens 22
Bottom-Up Approach 24
Top-Down Approach 59
Chapter Two Step II: Identifying the Best Ideas 71
Idea Review Framework 73
Investment Thesis 77
Business Overview 82
Management 91
Risks & Considerations 96
Financials & Valuation 99
Chapter Three Step III: Business & Financial Due Diligence 121
Business Due Diligence 123
Financial Due Diligence 148
Chapter Four Step IV: Valuation & Catalysts 171
Valuation 173
Market and Intrinsic Valuation 174
Buyout Valuation 194
Catalysts 206
Setting the Price Target 227
Chapter Five Step V: Investment Decision & Portfolio Management 233
Making the Investment Decision 236
Monitor the Investment 243
Portfolio Construction 250
Portfolio & Risk Management 263
Post-Mortem: Delphi Automotive 279
Bibliography & Recommended Reading 289

JOSHUA PEARL has served as a Managing Director at Brahman Capital, a long/short equity asset manager. He focuses on public equity investments and special situations utilizing a fundamentals-based approach. Previously, he structured high yield financings, leveraged buyouts, and restructurings as a Director at UBS Investment Bank. Prior to UBS, he worked at Moelis & Company and Deutsche Bank. He received his BS in Business from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He is also the co-author of Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs.

JOSHUA ROSENBAUM is a Managing Director and Head of the Industrials & Diversified Services Group at RBC Capital Markets. He originates, structures, and advises on M&A, corporate finance, and capital markets transactions. Previously, he worked at UBS Investment Bank and the International Finance Corporation, the direct investment division of the World Bank. He received his AB from Harvard and his MBA with Baker Scholar honors from Harvard Business School. He is also the co-author of Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs.

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