To determine the objective of financial management in choosing the best investment and financing alternatives, let's analyze each option in detail:
Increase the shareholders’ wealth (1)
Definition: Increasing shareholders' wealth means enhancing the overall value of the company for its owners. This is typically measured by the market value of the company's shares and the dividends paid to shareholders.
Why Correct: Financial management aims to maximize the value of the company by making optimal investment and financing decisions. This directly translates to increasing shareholders' wealth.
Decrease the shareholders’ wealth (2)
Definition: Decreasing shareholders' wealth means reducing the overall value of the company for its owners.
Why Not: This is contrary to the goals of financial management. Financial managers aim to enhance, not diminish, the value of the company for its shareholders.
Increase the shareholders’ capital (3)
Definition: Increasing shareholders' capital refers to raising more funds from shareholders, typically through additional share issues.
Why Not: While raising capital can be a part of financial management, the primary objective is not merely to increase the amount of capital but to enhance the overall wealth of shareholders.
Decrease the shareholders’ capital (4)
Definition: Decreasing shareholders' capital refers to reducing the amount of funds invested by shareholders.
Why Not: This is not a goal of financial management. Financial managers aim to use capital efficiently to maximize returns, not to reduce the amount of capital.
The correct answer is: (1) Increase the shareholders’ wealth
Financial management aims to maximize the value of the company for its owners by making optimal investment and financing decisions, thereby increasing shareholders' wealth.
List-I (Characteristic) | List-II (Concept) |
(A) More debt can be used if debt can be raised at a lower rate | (I) Cost of debt |
(B) Since interest is a deductible expense, cost of debt is affected by the tax rate | (II) Risk Consideration |
(C) If a firm’s business risk is lower, its capacity to use debt is higher and vice-versa | (III) Tax Rate |
(D) A public issue of equity may reduce the management’s holding in the company | (IV) Control |