Corporate Finance Foundations: Capital Structure and Dividend Policy

Every business must decide how to fund its operations and what to do with its profits. Choosing the right mix of debt, equity, and dividend distribution is critical for long-term financial health and investor confidence. This course guides you through the core principles of corporate finance, enabling you to analyze capital structures and evaluate dividend strategies with confidence. You will learn how to balance financial risk and return to support sustainable business growth. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational concepts of debt, equity, and capital structure. - Calculate the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) using clear, step-by-step methods. - Evaluate different dividend policies and their impact on shareholder wealth and market perception. - Analyze how modern funding mechanisms and ESG-linked financing influence capital decisions. - Practice assessing a company's financial leverage and risk profile through written scenarios. You will start with key financial terminology and foundational theories of capital structure before moving into practical cost of capital calculations. The course concludes with an exploration of dividend distribution strategies and modern corporate finance trends. This course is designed for aspiring financial analysts, business owners, and beginners in corporate finance, requiring no prior advanced accounting background. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in strategic financial decision-making.