Family Business Advisory Services

May 30, 2017

Corporate Finance Basics for Directors and Shareholders

To craft an effective corporate strategy, management and directors must answer the three fundamental questions of corporate finance.

  1. The Capital Structure question:  What is the most efficient mix of capital?
  2. The Capital Budgeting question:  Which projects merit investment?
  3. The Dividend Policy question:  What mix of returns do shareholders desire?

These questions should not be viewed as the special preserve of the finance team.  To maintain a healthy governance culture, all directors and shareholders need to have a voice in how these long-term decisions are made.  This presentation is an example of the topics that we cover in education sessions with directors and shareholders.  The purpose of the presentation is to provide directors and shareholders with a conceptual framework and vocabulary to help contribute to answering the three fundamental questions.

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Dividend Policy Is a Communication Tool
Dividend Policy Is a Communication Tool
Dividend policy in family businesses serves as both a financial decision and a communication tool that signals priorities and strategy. Clear, well-defined policies help align shareholder expectations and reduce misinterpretation.
Don’t Let Strong Performance Mask Strategic Drift
Don’t Let Strong Performance Mask Strategic Drift
Strong performance in family businesses can conceal misalignment and delay critical strategic decisions. Regularly reassessing capital allocation and shareholder priorities ensures long-term alignment and resilience.
Why Shareholders Feel Trapped (and What Directors Can Do About It)
Why Shareholders Feel Trapped (and What Directors Can Do About It)
This post explores how unclear liquidity pathways can create tension among family business shareholders. It emphasizes the need for structured, transparent liquidity strategies aligned with evolving shareholder needs.

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