Foundations of Finance is a cornerstone textbook used in undergraduate and MBA finance courses worldwide. A common element across editions and authors is a commitment to providing a rigorous yet accessible introduction to the core principles of finance. Key ISBNs associated with the text mark various editions, reflecting updates in theory, examples, and real-world applications.
At its heart, Foundations of Finance emphasizes the time value of money. This concept, explored thoroughly early in the text, underpins virtually all financial decision-making. The textbook explains how to calculate present and future values of single sums and annuities, demonstrating how discounting and compounding are used to evaluate investments and liabilities across time.
Risk and return are fundamental themes. The text comprehensively addresses risk management by teaching students about different types of risk (market, credit, operational, etc.) and quantitative measures like standard deviation and beta. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), a cornerstone of modern portfolio theory, is introduced and explained, linking systematic risk to expected returns. The book usually includes discussion of more advanced asset pricing models as well.
Foundations of Finance provides a solid grounding in valuation. Students learn how to value stocks and bonds using discounted cash flow models, covering various approaches like the dividend discount model and free cash flow valuation. Understanding financial statements is essential for valuation, so the book typically includes chapters on analyzing the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
Capital budgeting is another important area. The text explains how to evaluate potential investment projects using techniques like net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. It also covers project risk analysis and how to incorporate risk into capital budgeting decisions. Understanding of weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is essential, and it’s generally covered in depth.
Beyond these core topics, the textbook often delves into working capital management, financial planning, and international finance. Throughout, emphasis is placed on applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, with numerous examples and case studies designed to enhance understanding and critical thinking. Each new edition attempts to reflect current market conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory changes impacting the finance industry, ensuring students receive the most up-to-date and relevant information. Different ISBNs reflect such revisions and indicate the currency and coverage of specific topics.