The essential premise of this book is that theory and practice are equally important in describing financial modeling. In it the authors try to strike a balance in their discussions between theories that provide foundations for financial models and the institutional details that provide the context for applications of the models. The book presents the financial models of stock and bond options, exotic options, investment grade and high-yield bonds, convertible bonds, mortgage-backed securities, liabilities of financial institutions--the business model and the corporate model. It also describes the applications of the models to corporate finance. Furthermore, it relates the models to financial statements, risk management for an enterprise, and asset/liability management with illiquid instruments. The financial models are progressively presented from option pricing in the securities markets to firm valuation in corporate finance, following a format to emphasize the three aspects of a model: the set of assumptions, the model specification, and the model applications. Generally, financial modeling books segment the world of finance as "investments," "financial institutions," "corporate finance," and "securities analysis," and in so doing they rarely emphasize the relationships between the subjects. This unique book successfully ties the thought processes and applications of the financial models together and describes them as one process that provides business solutions. Created as a companion website to the book readers can visit www.thomasho.com to gain deeper understanding of the book's financial models. Interested readers can build and test the models described in the book using Excel, and they can submit their models to the site. Readers can also use the site's forum to discuss the models and can browse server based models to gain insights into the applications of the models. For those using the book in meetings or class settings the site provides Power Point descriptions of the chapters. Students can use available question banks on the chapters for studying.

Straightforward, reliable financial guidance is contained in this one-of-a-kind reference. This handbook clearly explains the concepts you need to invest, borrow, or lend intelligently with reduced risk and greater understanding. Here are the ready answers to virtually all of your questions about interest, yields, and returns, whether you are an investor trying to decide which kind of bond to invest in, a business manager evaluating alternative prospective capital investment opportunities using discounted cash flow techniques such as the internal rate of return (IRR), a senior citizen pondering increasing his or her cash flow by taking out a "reverse" mortgage, a borrower who is unsure whether refinancing is a good idea, and an individual who simply wants to make financial decisions that pay off. This valuable handbook provides you with the analytical tools essential to making decisions about buying, selling, or holding stocks, bonds, and real estate. Or if you are lending or borrowing money, you will find the information necessary to compare different forms of investment proposals by using the IRR or net present value as simple, accurate yardsticks. In the Handbook, you will find answers to such other vital questions as: . Why does the Fed's annual percentage rate understate the true cost of most loans? How can you make tax shelters work for you? Why don't you have to reinvest at all to achieve the IRR or yield-to-maturity at purchase? What are the big dangers of investing in callable or zero coupon bonds? Which kind of bond is most desirable: discount, par, or premium? What is the most you can withdraw monthly from your retirement savings and still have the income last for yourexpected life span? How can you construct a loan amortization schedule? Is it advisable to accelerate paying off your mortgage or other loan? What is modified duration, and how can it help control a portfolio's risk level? The Handbook is written in a no-nonsense style that makes its subject accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. In addition, you will find numerous graphs that will help solve even the most complex money puzzles in moments. If you are among the investors, borrowers, portfolio managers, bankers, accountants, and business professionals who must grapple with financial decision making in an uncertain business climate, you will find this one-stop guide to be your invaluable financial coach, ever at your aide with dependable and practical information presented in a lucid, easily understood manner. With this handbook, you'll make informed, advantageous money decisions.