Objectives of financial management
The primary objectives of financial management revolve around ensuring the financial health and sustainability of an organization. These objectives guide financial decision-making and actions within a company. The key objectives include:
- Profit Maximization:
– A traditional goal is to maximize profits, ensuring that revenues exceed costs. However, this objective is often considered alongside other goals to achieve a balanced approach.
- Wealth Maximization:
– The ultimate goal is to maximize shareholder wealth. This is achieved by increasing the value of the firm’s stock, which reflects the present value of expected future cash flows.
3. Ensure adequate returns :-
– It aims to ensure that shareholders and investors receive adequate returns on their investments. This involves striking a balance between risk and return.
- Cost Control and Efficiency:
– Controlling costs and improving operational efficiency contribute to profitability. Financial managers seek ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality of products or services.
- Optimal Capital Structure:
– Achieving an optimal capital structure involves determining the right mix of debt and equity to fund operations and investments. This helps minimize the cost of capital.
8. Capital Budgeting
– Making sound investment decisions is a key objective. Financial managers use capital budgeting techniques to evaluate and select the most profitable projects that align with the organization’s goals.
- Ensure Financial Stability:
– Financial stability is crucial for the long-term survival of a business. Financial management works towards maintaining a stable financial position, especially during economic downturns.
- Enhance Shareholder Value:
– Managers strive to enhance shareholder value by making decisions that positively impact the firm’s stock price and overall financial performance.
11. Compliance and legal and ethical standards :-
– It ensures that the organization complies with legal and ethical standards. This includes financial reporting requirements, tax regulations, and corporate governance principles.
- Social Responsibility:
– Acknowledging the impact of business activities on society, financial management may involve considerations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to contribute positively to the community and environment.
- Long-term Growth and Sustainability:
– It aims to support the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability by making decisions that consider both short-term and long-term consequences.
- Optimize Dividend Policy:
– Balancing dividend distributions to shareholders and retained earnings is crucial. Financial managers aim to optimize the dividend policy to satisfy shareholders while providing resources for growth.
These objectives are interconnected, and effective financial management involves balancing and prioritizing them based on the specific circumstances and goals of the organization.