At the end of this module, you shall attain:

1. A clear understanding of the behavior of financial markets from the global and domestic setting, and the factors that affect them;
2. A solid understanding of capital structure using the balance sheet model framework, its cost and long-term effects on risks and returns;
3. Adequate skill in determining financial options based on the analysis of the financial markets, taking into account costs, risks, returns and prices;
4. A practical insight into the operation of the stock market, its opportunities and prospects for financing decision choices and investment prospects;
5. A broad view of the operations of the debt market, its costs,  risks, returns, and prices; and
6. A good understanding of the nature, type and impact of dividend policy on capital structure, risks, and returns.

This module, which discusses real situations through case analyses, simulations, and actual stock trading operations, covers the following topics:

•      The balance sheet model as a capital structure  
•      Cost of capital and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC)   
•      Optimal capital structure: ideal or practical?    
•      The capital markets: debts and equities    
•      Dividend theories, policies and practices  
•      Equity securities analysis      
•      Portfolio creation and management  
•      Stock market trading and operations  

Mr. Gavin C. Lee was formerly an Assistant Professor at the Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business (VSB) (formerly College of Business Administration) at the University of the Philippines – Diliman where he taught Accounting and Finance for over 15 years. He has conducted numerous seminars and trainings for various institutions, including the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Institute of Internal Auditors – Philippines (IIA-P), and the Ateneo Center for Continuing Education (CCE).

Aside from his involvement with educational activities, he is an adviser at Unicapital Securities, Inc. (USI) for equity research in the Philippine stock market.

His corporate experience includes several years as an auditor and accountant with various institutions, including the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), KPMG Philippines, Chevron Holdings, Inc., and Standard Chartered Bank – Philippines. 

Mr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accountancy and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the VSB at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. He also holds the following professional certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Philippines), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA ®), and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ®).