Finance 302: Intermediate Financial Management, is a pivotal course for undergraduate finance students, building upon introductory principles and providing a deeper dive into the practical aspects of corporate financial decision-making. It moves beyond basic concepts to explore the complexities of valuation, capital budgeting, risk management, and working capital management. A core focus of Finance 302 is **valuation**. Students learn various methods for valuing assets, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, relative valuation (using multiples), and option pricing models. DCF analysis is often heavily emphasized, requiring students to forecast future cash flows, determine an appropriate discount rate reflecting the risk of the cash flows, and then calculate the present value to arrive at an intrinsic value for the asset. Understanding the nuances of growth rates, terminal value estimation, and sensitivity analysis are crucial components. Relative valuation introduces students to commonly used multiples like P/E ratio, price-to-book ratio, and EV/EBITDA, comparing a company’s valuation to its peers. Option pricing models, such as the Black-Scholes model, are explored for valuing derivatives and real options embedded within corporate projects. **Capital budgeting** constitutes another significant area. This involves analyzing and selecting long-term investments that will maximize shareholder wealth. Students learn to apply techniques like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period to evaluate potential projects. A key aspect is understanding the relevant cash flows for each project, considering incremental cash flows, opportunity costs, and tax implications. The course often delves into the complexities of project risk analysis, including sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, and simulation techniques, to assess the potential impact of different assumptions on project profitability. **Risk management** is introduced, covering strategies for identifying, measuring, and mitigating financial risks faced by corporations. This may include hedging techniques using derivatives like futures, forwards, options, and swaps. Students learn how to use these instruments to manage risks related to interest rates, exchange rates, and commodity prices. The course also explores the broader aspects of risk management, including operational risk, credit risk, and enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks. Finally, **working capital management** addresses the management of a firm’s short-term assets and liabilities. This includes managing inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable to optimize liquidity and profitability. Students learn techniques for determining optimal inventory levels, credit policies, and payment terms. Analyzing the cash conversion cycle and understanding the trade-offs between profitability and liquidity are crucial skills developed in this section. Overall, Finance 302 provides students with a solid foundation in corporate financial decision-making, equipping them with the analytical skills and tools necessary for success in various finance careers. The course often incorporates case studies and real-world examples to illustrate the application of these concepts in practical situations.