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Strategic Applications of Valuation in Corporate Finance

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Strategic Applications of Valuation in Corporate Finance

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply valuation to M&A, portfolio strategy, and capital structure decisions.

  • Assess valuation challenges across industries, including high-growth and emerging markets.

  • Use valuation insights to guide strategy, investor communication, and real options analysis.

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Recently updated!

May 2026

Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Corporate Valuation and Financial Analysis Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 12 modules in this course

Apply valuation principles to complex corporate finance scenarios, including portfolio strategy, mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, and industry-specific challenges. Develop the ability to use valuation insights for strategic management and investor communication.

This course explores the strategic use of valuation in areas such as corporate portfolio management, decision-making processes, mergers and acquisitions, and divestitures. Learners will analyze capital structure decisions, shareholder payouts, and investor communications, as well as valuation challenges in emerging markets, high-growth companies, banks, and cyclical industries. The course concludes with advanced topics like flexibility valuation and real options, preparing learners to address diverse and dynamic financial environments. The course integrates strategic frameworks with valuation analysis, using case-based discussions and scenario-driven content to illustrate real-world applications. Learners will deepen their understanding of how valuation informs corporate strategy and financial decision-making. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. Learners are encouraged to explore part 1 and 2 before taking on this course to complete the full Specialization. From Valuation Copyright © 1990, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 by McKinsey & Company. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This module explores how companies can maximize value through strategic portfolio management, focusing on the concept of 'best ownership' and the dynamic processes of acquiring, developing, or divesting businesses. Learners will examine the myths and realities of diversification, analyze case studies from both developed and emerging markets, and gain tools for making informed corporate strategy decisions.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
7 readingsTotal 41 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • What Makes an Owner the Best?6 minutes
  • Better Insight and Foresight6 minutes
  • Dynamic Portfolio Management6 minutes
  • The Myth of Diversification6 minutes
  • Conglomerates in Emerging Markets9 minutes
  • Summary2 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Strategic Management of Corporate Portfolios16 minutes

This module explores how organizations can leverage analytics to inform strategic management decisions, focusing on understanding and applying value drivers to monitor and enhance business performance. Learners will discover how to set effective targets, allocate resources across the enterprise, and use key performance metrics to drive long-term value creation.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 37 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Taking the Enterprise View6 minutes
  • Applying Value Drivers to Monitor Performance11 minutes
  • Understanding Value Drivers Pays Benefits7 minutes
  • Setting Targets4 minutes
  • Monitoring Results3 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Strategic Management and Value Creation16 minutes

This module explores the essential mindsets and behaviors that drive effective strategic management, focusing on decision-making processes, overcoming cognitive biases, and aligning organizational processes for optimal performance. Learners will gain practical tools to identify and mitigate biases, ensure the right people are making key decisions, and synchronize planning with performance management.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 29 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • The Right Decision Makers5 minutes
  • Debiased Decision Making5 minutes
  • Confirmation Bias and Excessive Optimism4 minutes
  • Synchronized and Streamlined Processes4 minutes
  • Review Performance, Repeat5 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior16 minutes

This module explores the strategic, financial, and operational aspects of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on value creation, empirical findings, and common pitfalls. Learners will examine different acquisition strategies, assess the challenges of estimating cost savings, and understand the characteristics of successful acquirers. Practical insights are provided to help evaluate and implement effective M&A decisions.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
10 readingsTotal 54 minutes
  • Introduction5 minutes
  • Empirical Results7 minutes
  • Archetypes for Value-Creating Acquisitions6 minutes
  • Exploit a Business's Industry-Specific Scalability6 minutes
  • Buy Cheap4 minutes
  • Estimating Cost and Capital Savings6 minutes
  • Implementation Costs, Requirements, and Timing6 minutes
  • Focus on Value Creation, Not Accounting4 minutes
  • Characteristics of Better Acquirers6 minutes
  • Reassessing Performance Improvement Targets4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Fundamentals16 minutes

This module explores the strategic, financial, and operational considerations involved in divesting business units. Learners will examine the motivations behind divestitures, the risks of holding underperforming assets, and the legal and regulatory challenges that can arise. The module also covers methods for assessing value and executing public transactions.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
7 readingsTotal 35 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • The Costs of Holding On4 minutes
  • Why Executives Shy Away from Divestitures4 minutes
  • Assessing Potential Value from Divestitures6 minutes
  • Legal and Regulatory Barriers5 minutes
  • Public Transactions7 minutes
  • Summary3 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Divestiture Strategies and Outcomes16 minutes

This module explores the key decisions involved in shaping a company's financial structure, including determining optimal debt and equity levels, and strategies for returning cash to shareholders. Learners will examine practical frameworks for capital structure, analyze payout methods such as dividends and share repurchases, and consider the role of hybrid financing and divestitures. By the end, participants will be equipped to assess and implement effective financial policies for value creation.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
10 readingsTotal 55 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • A Four-Step Approach5 minutes
  • Step 4: Decide on a Surplus Payout and Deficit Financing5 minutes
  • Evidence on Debt/Equity Trade-Offs4 minutes
  • Credit Ratings and Target Capital Structure7 minutes
  • Payouts to Shareholders5 minutes
  • Share Repurchases9 minutes
  • Extraordinary Dividends4 minutes
  • Divestitures of Noncore Businesses6 minutes
  • Hybrid Financing4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Capital Structure and Dividend Decisions16 minutes

This module explores the principles and practices of effective investor communications, including how to segment investors, tailor messaging, and foster transparency. Learners will examine the impact of intrinsic versus market value, the benefits of open disclosure, and strategies for engaging with different investor groups. The module also covers best practices for listening to investors and alternatives to traditional earnings guidance.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
9 readingsTotal 48 minutes
  • Introduction4 minutes
  • Intrinsic Value vs. Market Value6 minutes
  • Investor Segmentation by Strategy5 minutes
  • Targeting Communications by Segment5 minutes
  • Communicating with Intrinsic Investors5 minutes
  • Benefits of Transparency7 minutes
  • Listening to Investors6 minutes
  • An Alternative to Earnings Guidance6 minutes
  • When Companies Meet or Beat the Consensus Forecast4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Investor Communication and Financial Strategy16 minutes

This module explores the unique challenges and methodologies for valuing companies in emerging economies. Learners will gain practical skills in estimating cost of capital, applying scenario-based discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, and triangulating valuations using multiple approaches. Special emphasis is placed on accounting for country-specific risks and capital structures.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 32 minutes
  • Introduction8 minutes
  • Applying the Scenario DCF Approach5 minutes
  • Estimating Cost of Capital in Emerging Markets6 minutes
  • Estimating Capital Structure and WACC5 minutes
  • Triangulating Valuation5 minutes
  • Summary3 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Financial Analysis in Emerging Markets16 minutes

This module explores the unique challenges and strategies involved in valuing high-growth companies, focusing on forecasting, connecting future projections to current performance, and managing uncertainty. Learners will gain practical tools for applying valuation principles to rapidly evolving businesses and markets.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
3 readingsTotal 22 minutes
  • Introduction14 minutes
  • Work Backward to Current Performance4 minutes
  • Uncertainty Is Here to Stay4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Valuation and Growth Strategies for High-Growth Businesses16 minutes

This module explores the unique characteristics of companies whose earnings fluctuate in predictable cycles, such as those in the steel and airline industries. Learners will discover why these fluctuations occur and how to approach valuing such companies using probabilistic, scenario-based methods. By the end, you'll be equipped to better understand and assess cyclical businesses.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
2 readingsTotal 12 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • An Approach to Valuing Cyclical Companies6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Cyclical Industry Dynamics and Valuation Strategies16 minutes

This module explores the complexities of valuing banks, focusing on the unique challenges posed by their financial structures and regulatory requirements. Learners will examine methods such as equity cash flow analysis, economic spread evaluation, and the impact of risk-weighted assets. The module also highlights the importance of understanding value drivers across diverse banking activities.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
8 readingsTotal 40 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Other Income5 minutes
  • Analyzing and Forecasting Equity Cash Flows4 minutes
  • Pitfalls of Equity DCF Valuation5 minutes
  • Economic-Spread Analysis5 minutes
  • Economic Spread vs. Net Interest Income6 minutes
  • Risk-Weighted Assets and Equity Risk Capital5 minutes
  • Value Drivers for Different Banking Activities4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Banking Operations and Financial Management16 minutes

This module explores how managerial flexibility impacts business valuation, especially under uncertainty. Learners will examine methods such as decision tree analysis and real-option valuation to assess investment opportunities and understand the value drivers behind flexible decision-making. Practical examples illustrate how to apply these techniques to real-world projects.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
9 readingsTotal 53 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Uncertainty, Flexibility, and Value5 minutes
  • What Creates Flexibility Value7 minutes
  • Methods for Valuing Flexibility6 minutes
  • Comparing ROV and DTA Approaches8 minutes
  • Four Steps to Valuing Flexibility8 minutes
  • Real-Option Valuation and Decision Tree Analysis: A Numerical Example6 minutes
  • ROV Approach: Technological and Commercial Risk4 minutes
  • Summary3 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Evaluating Flexibility in Investment Decisions16 minutes

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Instructor

John Wiley & Sons
130 Courses8,498 learners

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