In order to maximize its shareholders’ value, a firm’s management must attempt to maximize the expected EPS. (Points : 10) True False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
While maximizing earnings per share (EPS) is often seen as an important goal for companies, it does not always directly maximize shareholders’ value. The idea that a firm’s management should focus solely on maximizing expected EPS is an oversimplification, and here’s why:
- Shareholder Value and Risk: Maximizing EPS might encourage a firm to take on excessive risk, such as making risky investments or reducing long-term expenditures, in order to boost short-term earnings. This approach may increase earnings in the short term but could reduce the company’s long-term stability and growth potential, which negatively impacts shareholders’ value in the long run.
- Sustainability of Earnings: EPS may be a reflection of a company’s profitability, but it doesn’t account for the sustainability or quality of those earnings. For example, if a company boosts its EPS by cutting back on research and development (R&D) or making aggressive cost-cutting moves, it might sacrifice future growth opportunities, leading to lower shareholder value over time.
- Capital Structure and Leverage: Management may also increase EPS by increasing leverage (i.e., borrowing more money). While this might boost profits in the short run, it raises the company’s financial risk and could decrease shareholder value if the company struggles to repay its debt in the future.
- Market Perception: Shareholders are often more concerned with the company’s overall return on investment (ROI), dividends, and stock price appreciation, rather than just EPS. Maximizing these factors generally leads to maximizing long-term shareholder value. Focusing on EPS alone can overlook other crucial elements such as cash flow, strategic growth, and maintaining a competitive advantage.
In conclusion, the management of a firm should focus on maximizing shareholder value through a balanced approach that includes sustainable profitability, strategic investments, and appropriate risk management—not solely by maximizing EPS.
