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Javier Estrada
Corporate Finance Essentials will enable you to understand key financial issues related to companies, investors, and the interaction between them in the capital markets. By the end of this course you should be able to understand most of what you read in the financial press and use the essential financial vocabulary of companies and finance professionals.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Risk and Return
Welcome to Session 1 In this session we will discuss some basic but essential financial concepts such as mean return, volatility, and beta. We will also learn how to apply them in order to assess the performance of selected equity markets over the last decade. The learning objective is to understand the basic, essential, and widely used financial concepts.
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Syllabus
Course Overview
Risk and Return
Welcome to Session 1 In this session we will discuss some basic but essential financial concepts such as mean return, volatility, and beta. We will also learn how to apply them in order to assess the performance of selected equity markets over the last decade. The learning objective is to understand the basic, essential, and widely used financial concepts.
Read more
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores core concepts in corporate financial management, such as risk, return, and capital budgeting
Teaches essential financial vocabulary of companies and finance professionals
Taught by Javier Estrada, an experienced professor and financial professional
Develops financial analysis skills through real-world examples and case studies
Provides a foundational understanding of corporate finance principles and practices
Requires a basic understanding of financial concepts and principles
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Reviews summary
Corporate finance essential foundations
According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in core corporate finance concepts. Many found the explanations clear and concise, particularly appreciating the approach to topics like NPV, IRR, and the cost of capital. While it's widely considered excellent for beginners or those needing a refresh, some reviewers noted that it lacks depth for more advanced learners or those seeking detailed practical application. The instructor is frequently praised for their engaging teaching style.
Focuses effectively on fundamental corporate finance topics.
"Covers all the essential topics like risk, return, CAPM, NPV, and IRR."
"Provides a good overview of the key concepts mentioned in the syllabus."
"The course content aligns well with the 'essentials' promised in the title."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The professor is fantastic, makes the material interesting."
"Great lecturer, very articulate and easy to listen to."
"Instructor's passion for the subject really comes through."
Provides an accessible entry point into corporate finance.
"Perfect starting point to understand the basics before diving deeper."
"Excellent course for someone with zero background in finance."
"A great introduction to corporate finance essentials for beginners."
Concepts are explained simply, making them easy to grasp.
"The instructor explains the concepts in a very clear and understandable way."
"Really appreciate how complex ideas were broken down into simple, digestible parts."
"Found the explanations of NPV and IRR particularly clear and easy to follow."
May be too basic for intermediate or advanced learners.
"Good as a foundation, but doesn't go into enough detail for practical application in complex scenarios."
"If you already have some finance knowledge, this might feel very slow and basic."
"Wish it covered more advanced valuation techniques beyond the absolute basics."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Corporate Finance Essentials with these
activities:
Review high school math
Show steps
Review foundational math concepts to strengthen your understanding of financial concepts.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Identify areas where you need to brush up on your math skills.
-
Find online resources, such as Khan Academy or Coursera, to review the necessary concepts.
-
Practice solving math problems related to finance.
Read 'Corporate Finance' by Ross, Westerfield, and Jaffe
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance principles and practices.
View
Loose Leaf for Corporate Finance
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read each chapter thoroughly.
-
Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
-
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Enhance comprehension by regularly reviewing and organizing course materials.
Show steps
-
After each lecture, review and summarize the key points.
-
Organize your notes, assignments, and other materials in a logical manner.
-
Periodically review your organized materials to reinforce your understanding.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on financial modeling in Excel
Show steps
Develop practical skills in financial modeling using Excel.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials or courses on financial modeling in Excel.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
-
Practice building financial models using the techniques learned in the tutorials.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Enhance your learning by actively engaging with peers and exchanging perspectives.
Show steps
-
Form or join a study group with other students in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.
-
Share ideas, insights, and questions to foster a deeper understanding of the topics.
Solve practice problems on financial ratios and analysis
Show steps
Sharpen your analytical skills by solving practice problems on financial ratios and analysis.
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Solve the problems and check your answers against the solutions.
-
Identify areas where you need additional practice.
Curate a collection of financial news articles and case studies
Show steps
Stay updated on current trends and real-world applications of corporate finance.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources for financial news and case studies.
-
Regularly collect and organize articles and case studies that are relevant to the course topics.
-
Share your collection with your classmates or discuss in a study group.
Build a financial model for a company of your choice
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of corporate finance to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
-
Choose a company that interests you.
-
Gather financial data on the company.
-
Build a financial model to analyze the company's financial performance.
-
Present your findings in a report.
Review high school math
Show steps
Review foundational math concepts to strengthen your understanding of financial concepts.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify areas where you need to brush up on your math skills.
- Find online resources, such as Khan Academy or Coursera, to review the necessary concepts.
- Practice solving math problems related to finance.
Read 'Corporate Finance' by Ross, Westerfield, and Jaffe
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance principles and practices.
View
Loose Leaf for Corporate Finance
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter thoroughly.
- Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
- Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Enhance comprehension by regularly reviewing and organizing course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- After each lecture, review and summarize the key points.
- Organize your notes, assignments, and other materials in a logical manner.
- Periodically review your organized materials to reinforce your understanding.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on financial modeling in Excel
Show steps
Develop practical skills in financial modeling using Excel.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials or courses on financial modeling in Excel.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
- Practice building financial models using the techniques learned in the tutorials.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Enhance your learning by actively engaging with peers and exchanging perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form or join a study group with other students in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.
- Share ideas, insights, and questions to foster a deeper understanding of the topics.
Solve practice problems on financial ratios and analysis
Show steps
Sharpen your analytical skills by solving practice problems on financial ratios and analysis.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Solve the problems and check your answers against the solutions.
- Identify areas where you need additional practice.
Curate a collection of financial news articles and case studies
Show steps
Stay updated on current trends and real-world applications of corporate finance.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources for financial news and case studies.
- Regularly collect and organize articles and case studies that are relevant to the course topics.
- Share your collection with your classmates or discuss in a study group.
Build a financial model for a company of your choice
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of corporate finance to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a company that interests you.
- Gather financial data on the company.
- Build a financial model to analyze the company's financial performance.
- Present your findings in a report.
Career center
Learners who complete Corporate Finance Essentials will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for assessing the performance of companies and making investment recommendations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to evaluate companies, understand their financial statements, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Financial Analyst.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as an Investment Banker.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Portfolio Manager.
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate Finance Managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Corporate Finance Manager.
Equity Research Analyst
Equity Research Analyst
Equity Research Analysts are responsible for providing research and analysis on companies to investors. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as an Equity Research Analyst.
Private Equity Associate
Private Equity Associate
Private Equity Associates are responsible for evaluating and investing in private companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Private Equity Associate.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Managers are responsible for managing hedge funds, which are investment funds that use advanced investment strategies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Hedge Fund Manager.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for overseeing the financial operations of companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a CFO.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists are responsible for investing in early-stage companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to understand the financial markets, analyze companies, and make sound investment decisions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Venture Capitalist.
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultants provide financial advice to individuals and businesses on a wide range of topics. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Financial Consultant.
Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager
Accounting Managers are responsible for overseeing the accounting operations of companies. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as an Accounting Manager.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts are responsible for assessing the creditworthiness of companies and individuals. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Credit Analyst.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing the risks associated with companies. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Risk Manager.
Investment Manager
Investment Manager
Investment Managers are responsible for managing the investment portfolios of individuals and institutions. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as an Investment Manager.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and businesses plan for their financial future. This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk and return, correlation and diversification, and the cost of capital. This knowledge will be essential for success in a role as a Financial Planner.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bbbpl8/corporate
Reading list
We've selected 42 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Corporate Finance Essentials.
Is the official curriculum for the CFA program. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that covers all of the topics that are tested on the CFA exam.
Classic guide to security analysis. It great resource for students who are interested in learning about the fundamentals of security analysis.
Classic textbook on corporate finance. It provides a clear and concise overview of the subject, making it a good choice for students who are new to the field.
Save
Is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn about corporate finance. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of financial management to the latest developments in the field. The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike.
Classic work on security analysis. It provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, making it a valuable resource for investors.
Classic textbook on corporate finance. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that is used by students and professionals alike.
Must-read for any investor. It provides timeless advice on how to make sound investment decisions.
Comprehensive and authoritative guide to options, futures, and derivatives. It great resource for students who are interested in learning about the principles of options, futures, and derivatives.
Collection of essays by Charlie Munger. It great resource for students who are interested in learning about the investment philosophy of one of the world's most successful investors.
Collection of essays by Warren Buffett. It great resource for students who are interested in learning about the investment philosophy of one of the world's most successful investors.
Save
Is another excellent resource for learning about corporate finance. It is more comprehensive than Ross, Westerfield, and Jaffe's book, and it covers a wider range of topics. The book is also well-written and easy to understand, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike.
Comprehensive and up-to-date reference on corporate finance. It covers a wide range of topics, including financial analysis, capital budgeting, and mergers and acquisitions.
More concise and accessible introduction to corporate finance than Ross, Westerfield, and Jaffe's or Brigham and Ehrhardt's books. It great choice for students who are new to the field or who are looking for a quick overview of the subject.
Offers a comprehensive overview of financial management and provides practical applications of the concepts covered in the course.
Save
Collection of eight case studies of successful CEOs who turned around their companies. One of the problems with finance is that it can be hard to see how the theory plays out in the real world. This book solves this problem by providing detailed case studies.
Classic guide to value investing. It provides timeless principles for investing in stocks and bonds, and it must-read for any serious investor.
Practical guide to corporate finance. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform financial analysis, value companies, and make investment decisions.
Widely-used textbook for corporate finance courses at academic institutions. It provides comprehensive coverage of the key concepts and theories in corporate finance, including risk and return, capital budgeting, and cost of capital.
Great resource for students who are new to corporate finance or who are looking for a quick and easy-to-understand overview of the subject.
Save
Is another popular textbook for corporate finance courses. It provides a clear and concise overview of the key concepts in corporate finance, making it a good choice for students who are new to the subject.
Comprehensive reference on fixed income securities. It covers a wide range of topics, including bond pricing, credit analysis, and portfolio management.
Comprehensive reference on financial risk management. It covers a wide range of topics, including risk measurement, risk management techniques, and case studies.
Practical guide to risk management. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to identify risks, assess risks, and manage risks.
Provides a guide to detecting accounting gimmicks and fraud in financial reports.
Offers a practical and applied approach to financial management, with numerous examples and case studies.
Provides a simple and effective approach to investing in stocks.
Practical guide to venture capital. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to raise venture capital, invest in venture capital, and exit from venture capital investments.
Comprehensive guide to private equity. It covers a wide range of topics, including private equity funds, private equity investments, and private equity exits.
Practical guide to mergers and acquisitions. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to plan, execute, and integrate mergers and acquisitions, and it valuable resource for any corporate executive.
Practical guide to corporate governance. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to improve corporate governance, and it valuable resource for any corporate director.
Comprehensive reference on options, futures, and derivatives. It covers a wide range of topics, including pricing, hedging, and trading.
Save
Provides a core foundation in corporate finance, focusing on the key concepts and theories.
Provides a guide to building a successful startup.
Provides a guide to building a successful startup.
Provides a guide to understanding why large companies fail to innovate.
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, with a focus on the latest theoretical and practical developments.
Provides a guide to marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers.
Save
Provides a guide to developing good strategy.
This classic book on strategy provides insights that can be applied to business.
Save
This classic book on politics provides insights that can be applied to business.
Offers a comprehensive guide to corporate finance valuation and risk management.
Provides a guide to developing personal effectiveness.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bbbpl8/corporate
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Effort
7 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
IESE Business School
Instructor
Javier Estrada
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Think like a CFO. It's comprised of two courses:
- Corporate Finance Essentials (viewing)
- Corporate Finance Essentials II
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