Session 1: Introduction to class

In this class, I lay out the logistics for what is coming and an agenda of what I hope to accomplish during the next 15 weeks. In addition to describing the logistical details, I presented my view that corporate finance is the ultimate big picture class because everything falls under its purview. The “big picture” of corporate finance covers the three basic decisions that every business has to make: how to allocate scarce funds across competing uses (the investment decision), how to raise funds to finance these investments (the financing decision) and how much cash to take out of the business (the dividend decision). The singular objective in corporate finance is to maximize the value of the business to its owners. This big picture was then used to emphasize five themes: that corporate finance is common sense, that it is focused, that the focus shifts over the life cycle and that you cannot break first principles with immunity.

[xyzmediaandentertainment]

We are so lucky to be able to watch these on youtube

[jamesstmanhattan]

here we go again, sir Aswath Damodaran, my favorite corporate finance and valuation professor

[joaocarneiro]

Thank You Professor Damodaram for your work and sharing your knowledge with us. Those who study at NYU are very fortunate to have you.

[rikiboy]

this is one of the best investments an investor can do (knowledge), and you professor just made it free . thank u so much . god bless you. (very excited ) looking forward for the next class

[themonsishow]

You might call this class 'Corporate Finance for Dummies' but there are actual dummies running the finance world. What a great class, prof. Damodaran!

[alexh.]

Professor, Appreciate you doing this for mass media.

[foodnuux]

Yes we're very lucky thanks God, always positive even in a bad time, invest your time.

[nidhipandey]

The introduction = 6:06
The lecture = 38:17

[jamesstmanhattan]

So these classes will be conducted online? The field has been leveled, we can have pretty much the same experience the students are about to have, the only exception is that we won't be able to ask direct questions.

[mattfavaloro]

Sir I am not an active participant I get to follow along with the classes on YouTube as you upload them I won't get any documentation that I have learned this information but I don't have to pay and you think that's a fair deal who am I to argue with you sir. Greatest gift you can ever receive. anybody can receive is what you're giving me mr. Damodarn. Unconditional knowledge I have no prerequisites requirements or financial obligations I don't know you you don't know me we will never meet but yet you're giving me access to this knowledge unconditionally that is the greatest gift you can never receive that's not even Up For Debate I would love to do Pete somebody taking the opposite side I would destroy you and I don't even know how to debate I just got a bank of knowledge to destroy your position plus I would surely research debating greatest gift in the world undeniable also have to use voice activated text I'm under strict lockdown and the screen broke so punctuation and grammar are prohibitively difficult sincerely apologize stay-at-home orders necessities of life getting a device fixed for screen on fortunately does not fit in my Necessities for life hope you understand

[pinder]

mechanic here following along trying to learn thank you for posting this!!!

[bradleyhagen]

Professor Damodaran, Thank you for posting these. I will be following along on YouTube throughout the semester. Will you be posting a higher resolution version of these videos for future sessions?

[ssah]

Done with session 1 . Thank you, professor.

[donovanteo]

Thank you professor! Your passion for teaching has helped to sparked my interest in corporate finance. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and keep doing what you do:)

[pradeepdarji]

One of favorite professor When it comes to valuations♥️♥️♥️

[ridhisingla]

2021 is already starting to look good, thanks sir.

[PriankaEvangelineSLP]

i want to invest for long term. Can someone guide me with where to start with prof.damodaran's webcasts of all classes? corporate will this progression be right?

[jamesstmanhattan]

Any chance to watch the marketing class online as well?

[programmingandfinance]

The best and enjoyed the class, wanna watch all other videos now.

[gideonasuman]

Hi, How can we get the in class webcast to these recordings? These videos have been really good to me and Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us