Why is Aswath Damodaran hated by IBankers?

I’ve just landed my first job out of uni and it’s not in IBD, but I have always been fascinated by valuations

And i feel there is no one else in the world who can decode the DCF or other relative comp methods better than NYU Stern Prof. Aswath Damodaran… let me tell you I’m not a blind follower of the professor… he makes sense in most of his lectures and gives practical ideas

Any IBanker I confront quotes “Oh he is just a Professor!!!, that’s not how a DCF is done!!”

My personal belief is that as a retail investor… the wisdom of buffet, munger, graham and valuations taught by maubbassin and damodaran will definitely make you a better investor…

Can someone jump.. I want to know why am I incorrect… Thanks

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

industry practices often deviate from academic theory a lot... I wouldn't say people in IBD hate Damodaran; they probably see the wisdom in his opinions, but are aware that it's not practical to implement. IB is a sales industry at heart—throw whatever you need to in your model such that it's acceptable by industry norms and satisfies your client.

 

The title of this post suggests that this is a common, verifiable truth such as "why do most people in large liberal cities hate Trump" lmao. 

I never really heard anyone hating Damodaran? He is probably the most influential corp. fin professor and tons of professors at different school guiding students towards his material. He also puts out all of his content for free. Overall great guy.

 

Ut omnis quia est similique rerum in. Sit autem inventore dolore doloremque velit iure inventore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”