Strategic Applications of Valuation in Corporate Finance
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Strategic Applications of Valuation in Corporate Finance
This course is part of Corporate Valuation and Financial Analysis Specialization
Instructor: Wiley Skills Network
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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.
Skills you'll gain
- Decision Making
- Portfolio Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Corporate Strategy
- Corporate Finance
- Corporate Communications
- Financial Analysis
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Forecasting
- Business Strategy
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Business Valuation
- Financial Acumen
- Risk Analysis
- Strategic Communication
- Financial Market
- Stakeholder Communications
- Financial Management
- Financial Forecasting
Details to know
May 2026
12 assignments
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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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 41 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- What Makes an Owner the Best?•6 minutes
- Better Insight and Foresight•6 minutes
- Dynamic Portfolio Management•6 minutes
- The Myth of Diversification•6 minutes
- Conglomerates in Emerging Markets•9 minutes
- Summary•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Strategic Management of Corporate Portfolios•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 37 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Taking the Enterprise View•6 minutes
- Applying Value Drivers to Monitor Performance•11 minutes
- Understanding Value Drivers Pays Benefits•7 minutes
- Setting Targets•4 minutes
- Monitoring Results•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Strategic Management and Value Creation•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 29 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- The Right Decision Makers•5 minutes
- Debiased Decision Making•5 minutes
- Confirmation Bias and Excessive Optimism•4 minutes
- Synchronized and Streamlined Processes•4 minutes
- Review Performance, Repeat•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
10 readings•Total 54 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Empirical Results•7 minutes
- Archetypes for Value-Creating Acquisitions•6 minutes
- Exploit a Business's Industry-Specific Scalability•6 minutes
- Buy Cheap•4 minutes
- Estimating Cost and Capital Savings•6 minutes
- Implementation Costs, Requirements, and Timing•6 minutes
- Focus on Value Creation, Not Accounting•4 minutes
- Characteristics of Better Acquirers•6 minutes
- Reassessing Performance Improvement Targets•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mergers and Acquisitions Fundamentals•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 35 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- The Costs of Holding On•4 minutes
- Why Executives Shy Away from Divestitures•4 minutes
- Assessing Potential Value from Divestitures•6 minutes
- Legal and Regulatory Barriers•5 minutes
- Public Transactions•7 minutes
- Summary•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Divestiture Strategies and Outcomes•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
10 readings•Total 55 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- A Four-Step Approach•5 minutes
- Step 4: Decide on a Surplus Payout and Deficit Financing•5 minutes
- Evidence on Debt/Equity Trade-Offs•4 minutes
- Credit Ratings and Target Capital Structure•7 minutes
- Payouts to Shareholders•5 minutes
- Share Repurchases•9 minutes
- Extraordinary Dividends•4 minutes
- Divestitures of Noncore Businesses•6 minutes
- Hybrid Financing•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Capital Structure and Dividend Decisions•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
9 readings•Total 48 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Intrinsic Value vs. Market Value•6 minutes
- Investor Segmentation by Strategy•5 minutes
- Targeting Communications by Segment•5 minutes
- Communicating with Intrinsic Investors•5 minutes
- Benefits of Transparency•7 minutes
- Listening to Investors•6 minutes
- An Alternative to Earnings Guidance•6 minutes
- When Companies Meet or Beat the Consensus Forecast•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Investor Communication and Financial Strategy•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 32 minutes
- Introduction•8 minutes
- Applying the Scenario DCF Approach•5 minutes
- Estimating Cost of Capital in Emerging Markets•6 minutes
- Estimating Capital Structure and WACC•5 minutes
- Triangulating Valuation•5 minutes
- Summary•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Financial Analysis in Emerging Markets•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 22 minutes
- Introduction•14 minutes
- Work Backward to Current Performance•4 minutes
- Uncertainty Is Here to Stay•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Valuation and Growth Strategies for High-Growth Businesses•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 12 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- An Approach to Valuing Cyclical Companies•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Cyclical Industry Dynamics and Valuation Strategies•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
8 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Other Income•5 minutes
- Analyzing and Forecasting Equity Cash Flows•4 minutes
- Pitfalls of Equity DCF Valuation•5 minutes
- Economic-Spread Analysis•5 minutes
- Economic Spread vs. Net Interest Income•6 minutes
- Risk-Weighted Assets and Equity Risk Capital•5 minutes
- Value Drivers for Different Banking Activities•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Banking Operations and Financial Management•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
9 readings•Total 53 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Uncertainty, Flexibility, and Value•5 minutes
- What Creates Flexibility Value•7 minutes
- Methods for Valuing Flexibility•6 minutes
- Comparing ROV and DTA Approaches•8 minutes
- Four Steps to Valuing Flexibility•8 minutes
- Real-Option Valuation and Decision Tree Analysis: A Numerical Example•6 minutes
- ROV Approach: Technological and Commercial Risk•4 minutes
- Summary•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Evaluating Flexibility in Investment Decisions•16 minutes
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