Corporate Finance at NTNU
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) offers a robust and comprehensive program in corporate finance, equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in various roles within the financial sector. The curriculum is designed to cater to both Norwegian and international students, providing a strong foundation for careers in investment banking, corporate treasury, financial analysis, and management consulting.
At the core of NTNU’s corporate finance offerings are several key courses. These typically cover topics such as:
- Financial Statement Analysis: Students learn to dissect financial statements to assess a company’s performance, financial health, and future prospects. This includes ratio analysis, trend analysis, and forecasting techniques.
- Valuation: A critical component focuses on valuing companies and projects using various methods, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, relative valuation (multiples), and option pricing models. Emphasis is placed on understanding the assumptions underpinning each model and their limitations.
- Capital Budgeting: This section delves into the process of evaluating investment projects, determining the cost of capital, and applying various capital budgeting techniques such as net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. Risk analysis and sensitivity analysis are also covered.
- Capital Structure: Students explore the trade-offs between debt and equity financing, learning how to optimize a company’s capital structure to maximize shareholder value while considering factors like tax shields, financial distress costs, and agency costs.
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): This covers the strategies, motives, and processes involved in M&A transactions, including deal structuring, valuation, negotiation, and post-merger integration. Legal and regulatory aspects of M&A are also discussed.
- Corporate Governance: An increasing emphasis is placed on corporate governance principles and their impact on corporate performance and shareholder value. This includes topics such as board structure, executive compensation, and shareholder rights.
Beyond core coursework, NTNU often incorporates real-world case studies and simulations to enhance practical learning. Students may have opportunities to participate in finance-related competitions or internships, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities. The faculty at NTNU boasts expertise in various areas of corporate finance, often combining academic research with practical industry experience.
The program’s strong emphasis on quantitative skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving prepares graduates for demanding roles in the global financial landscape. NTNU’s reputation for academic excellence and its strong ties to the Norwegian business community contribute to the career success of its corporate finance graduates.