This week we will define and explain the key approaches to investment evaluation utilized by corporations around the world. We will also consider the way in which sensitivity analysis might be employed so as to provide information to management beyond the simple “invest-don’t-invest” decision.

In week 2 we will explain the mechanics behind how firms go to the market via an initial public offering (IPO) to raise new equity capital. We then demonstrate the impact of introducing debt on the returns to shareholders and highlight the different factors that influence debt levels for firms operating in different industries. We conclude by considering how firms make decisions about the optimal level of profits that should be returned to shareholders.

During week 3 we will explain how takeovers and mergers occur in practice, define the key terms used in the analysis of markets for corporate control and then develop an understanding of how changes in control might be objectively assessed via financial analysis. In addition to answering the question “how might we create wealth through growth?” we will also consider how value might be created by getting smaller in our review of the impact of corporate restructuring on shareholder wealth.

In the final week of this course we define and demonstrate the use of different derivative securities in risk management including; forwards, futures and option contracts. We explain the key drivers of option values and explain how options might be combined to provide different payoff structures. We conclude by considering how risk management might create value for shareholders.