The key principles of corporate finance include:

1. Value creation: The primary objective of corporate finance is to create value for the shareholders of a company by investing in positive net present value projects.

2. Risk and return: The concept of risk and return states that investments with higher risks should have higher returns to compensate for the additional risk.

3. Cost of capital: The cost of capital is the minimum return that a company must earn on its investments to satisfy its investors or creditors.

4. Time value of money: Money today is worth more than the same amount of money in the future, due to the potential to earn interest.

5. Capital budgeting: Capital budgeting is the process of identifying and evaluating potential investments or projects for a company.

6. Capital structure: Capital structure refers to the mix of debt and equity that a company uses to finance its operations.

7. Dividend policy: Dividend policy refers to the decision of a company to pay dividends to its investors.

The key practices of corporate finance include:

1. Financial analysis: Financial analysis is the process of studying the financial health of a company to determine its ability to generate profits and pay its debts.

2. Forecasting: Forecasting is the process of estimating future financial performance based on historical data and market trends.

3. Financial modeling: Financial modeling is the process of creating mathematical models to simulate financial scenarios and analyze the impact of different financial decisions.

4. Risk management: Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that may impact a company’s financial performance.

5. Capital raising: Capital raising is the process of obtaining funds to finance a company’s operations, usually through debt or equity.

To make informed financial decisions, businesses should have a solid understanding of these principles and practices, as well as the current market conditions and their own financial situation. They should also consider the potential consequences of their decisions on their stakeholders, such as shareholders, employees, customers, and the broader community. It is important for businesses to conduct thorough research and analysis before making financial decisions, and to seek out professional advice when necessary.