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Corporate Finance Fundamentals

BasicSkill Level
4.8+
200 reviews
Updated 05/2026
Learn key financial concepts such as capital investment, WACC, and shareholder value.
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TheoryApplied Finance2 hr58 videos74 Exercises3,700 XPStatement of Accomplishment

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Course Description

Understanding Capital Investment and Financing

This course starts by providing a deep dive into the essentials of capital investment and the stages of corporate financing. Learners will explore different investment evaluation metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), which are crucial for making informed investment decisions. The section also covers the funding life cycle of a company, from initial public offerings to seasoned equity offerings, and the strategic decisions involved in each phase.

Optimizing Capital Structure

The core of corporate finance lies in optimizing the firm’s capital structure to balance risk and return effectively. This part of the course focuses on understanding and minimizing the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), a key element in corporate financial management. Participants will learn about various sources of financing, including equity, debt, and hybrid instruments, and the implications of each on a company’s financial health and strategic growth.

Capital Distribution Strategies

The final section addresses the strategies for returning capital to shareholders, an essential aspect of enhancing shareholder value. It discusses dividends, share buybacks, and other forms of capital return, including the scenarios in which each is appropriate. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants will see how these strategies are implemented in practice and learn how to apply them to maximize shareholder returns while maintaining financial stability.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course
1

Capital Investment Overview

This module introduces capital investment, covering key concepts such as mergers and acquisitions, types of buyers, and foundational investment principles, supported by interactive exercises and a glossary of key terms.
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2

Capital Investment Metrics

This module explores key capital investment metrics, including present value (PV), payback period, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and profitability indices.
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3

Capital Financing

4

Optimal Capital Structure and Capital Return

This module focuses on optimizing a company's capital structure, covering concepts such as the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), refinancing strategies, and capital addition. It also explores capital return strategies, covering retained earnings, excess cash, dividends, and share buybacks, along with key dividend dates.
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Corporate Finance Fundamentals
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*4.8
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FAQs

Is this a DataCamp or a CFI course?

This course is offered by CFI, the corporate finance institute. DataCamp is partnering with CFI to offer you a bespoke learning path introducing you to core financial concepts and the basics of Python.

What background knowledge is necessary to enroll in this course?

This course is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of financial principles and some familiarity with financial statements. While it starts with fundamental concepts, having a general knowledge of accounting and finance terms will help learners grasp the more advanced topics more efficiently.

Is this course suitable for those looking to transition into finance?

Yes, "Corporate Finance Fundamentals" is ideal for individuals aiming to transition into finance. It covers essential concepts and practical skills needed in corporate finance roles, making it a solid foundational course for those new to the field or looking to switch careers.

What kind of practical skills will I gain from this course?

Participants will develop key skills such as analyzing financial statements, evaluating investment opportunities using metrics like NPV and IRR, understanding and managing capital structure, and strategically returning capital to shareholders. These skills are directly applicable in real-world corporate finance settings, empowering learners to make data-driven financial decisions.

Can I access course materials offline?

Yes, participants can download certain course materials such as the Excel files for offline study.

Will there be a certification of completion?

Yes, the course includes assessments to test your understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of these assessments, you will receive a certificate of completion which can be added to your professional profile to demonstrate your competence in corporate finance

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