Based on the best-selling book, Corporate Finance for Dummies, by Michael Taillard. Master the essentials of corporate finance with this accessible, real-world focused course. You’ll explore core concepts like financial statements, cash flow analysis, and valuation of stocks and bonds—all explained through clear, practical examples. Learn how to assess financial risk, understand portfolio theory, and navigate key processes like mergers and acquisitions. Designed for online learners, the content breaks down complex topics into digestible, actionable insights, making finance approachable for all levels.

Corporate Finance for Dummies

Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Simplified explanations of complex financial concepts using real-world examples
Comprehensive coverage of financial statements, valuation, risk management, and M&A
Designed for self-paced online learning with intuitive, step-by-step guidance
Details to know

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March 2026
22 assignments
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There are 22 modules in this course
In this section, we explore corporate finance as the quantification of intangible value by framing money as debt. This perspective enables measurable decision-making in resource allocation, investment, and real-world financial planning.
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore key organizations in corporate finance, analyze the roles of financial institutions and regulators, and map practical career paths using real-world examples to build a clear understanding of the financial ecosystem.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore corporate capital sources, compare debt and equity financing, and analyze loan terms using financial metrics to make informed funding decisions for sustainable business growth.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore the balance sheet's structure, analyzing assets, liabilities, and owners' equity using the equation Assets = Liabilities + Owners' Equity. We classify items by liquidity and term, enabling accurate assessment of financial position and informed decision-making.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze the income statement to assess financial health by evaluating key metrics such as EBIT, net income, gross margin, and operating income. Learners gain practical skills to interpret financial data and assess earnings quality and sustainability.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze the statement of cash flows (SCF) by identifying operating, investing, and financing cash flows, assessing trends in operating cash flow, and calculating net cash change to evaluate a company's financial health and sustainability.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze a company's financial health using liquidity ratios like the current ratio, profitability metrics such as net profit margin and ROA, and debt efficiency measures including long-term debt to operating property, enabling data-driven decision-making.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze capital efficiency, debt health, and investor returns using key metrics like EPS, Debt to Equity Ratio, and Operating Cash Flows to Total Debt, enabling informed corporate finance and investment decisions.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore the time value of money, calculating present value (PV) and future value (FV) using simple and compound interest, while analyzing how inflation and interest rates impact financial decisions and investment evaluations.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore capital budgeting using NPV, IRR, and payback period to evaluate investment viability, determine recovery time, and optimize financial resource allocation for improved project management outcomes.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore bond types, issuers, and valuation using present value (PV) formulas. We analyze fixed- and floating-rate bond risks to support informed debt financing and investment decisions.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this section, we learn about stock orders, long and short positions, and valuation models to make informed investment decisions.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze option pricing using derived value models, valuate forwards and futures with standard formulas, and apply swap agreements to manage financial risk exposure in corporate environments.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore core financial risks in corporate finance, including interest-rate, inflation, credit, and foreign exchange risk. Learners gain practical skills to assess and manage these risks for improved financial stability and decision-making.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze risk-return trade-offs, implement diversification to optimize efficiency, and measure risk using CAPM and BETA, providing practical tools for informed investment decision-making in uncertain markets.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore financial engineering through asset bundling, slicing, and modeling for smarter risk and strategic decision-making.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
In this section, we calculate WACC using market values, assess the tax-adjusted cost of debt, and evaluate the cost of equity via CAPM to determine optimal capital structure and minimize financing costs in practical corporate applications.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze financial performance using vertical and horizontal common-size comparisons, rate-of-change cross comparisons over time, and risk-adjusted return on capital to assess earnings quality and investment effectiveness.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze historical financial data using regression and probability distributions to forecast future outcomes. Learners apply statistical methods and reference class evaluation to improve planning accuracy and assess forecast uncertainty.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
In this section, we analyze M&A motives using strategic frameworks, evaluate business value through cash-flow projections, and apply financing methods to real-world transactions, enhancing decision-making in corporate finance.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore exchange rate impacts on international cash flows, implement forward contracts for hedging, and evaluate cross-listing to access global capital, enhancing strategic decision-making in a globalized economy.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore how cognitive biases and emotions influence corporate financial decisions. You'll learn to identify irrational behaviors, apply prospect theory, and improve judgment through awareness of psychological influences on risk and choice.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
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