Investment banking is a complex and fast-paced industry that requires extensive knowledge across financial markets, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and more. For those looking to break into investment banking or advance their careers, having access to the right learning materials in pdf format can provide a solid foundation. Some of the most useful pdfs cover technical and conceptual topics like financial statement modeling, valuation techniques, leveraged buyouts, M&A analysis, pitch books, and interview preparation.
Other insightful pdfs provide overviews of the industry itself – the major banks, key products and services, deal processes, and career paths. PDF books and reports from practitioners are also excellent for gaining real-world perspectives. With so many pdf resources available, it can be overwhelming to identify the best ones. This article provides a guide to the most popular and recommended pdfs for effectively introducing and learning about investment banking.
Breaking Into Wall Street Investment Banking Interview Guide
Authored by BIWS founder Andrew Gutmann, this 380+ page book comprehensively covers the technical questions and business case studies likely to arise in investment banking interviews. The pdf provides a solid foundation in accounting, valuation, LBO modeling, M&A analysis, pitch books, and other key technical skills. With overview content as well as 9 sample case studies, this guide is regarded as essential preparation for investment banking interviews.
Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking
This 300+ page book from Vault provides an excellent overview of the industry for those looking to break in or advance their careers in investment banking. It covers the landscape of major banks, career paths, exit opportunities, recruitment timelines, networking strategies, and life as an analyst or associate. The content gives context around the industry’s competitively intense nature.
Rosenbaum & Pearl Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs
A textbook commonly used in undergrad, MBA, and other finance programs, this 400+ page book by Rosenbaum and Pearl provides a comprehensive foundation across LBO modeling, M&A analysis, valuation, and IPOs. With detailed chapters on precedent transactions, transaction comps, LBO mechanics, accretion-dilution analysis, DCF modeling, trading comps, and more, this is regarded as a go-to reference.
Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z
This 150+ page book provides a concise walkthrough of the M&A deal process, advisors, deal structure, steps in the transaction timeline, documentation, negotiations, pricing, and other key concepts. Authored by Andrew Sherman, an M&A partner at Jones Day, the pdf is valued for distilling a complex process down to key elements.
A Practical Guide to Investment Banking Interviews
With questions styled after real investment banking interviews, this 120+ page book contains technical and conceptual problems covering accounting, valuation, transactions, pitch books, brain teasers, and more. Since the questions mimic actual interviews, practicing with this guide helps candidates become comfortable with the types of questions asked.
In summary, the Breaking Into Wall Street, Vault, Rosenbaum & Pearl, Andrew Sherman, and A Practical Guide pdfs are highly recommended for learning foundational skills and perspectives in investment banking. The technical guides provide ample practice for modeling and analysis, while the industry overviews contextualize key roles, processes, and dynamics. With preparation, determination, and the right learning materials, these pdfs can help open up a career in investment banking.