Profit maximization and maximization of shareholder

Question

Give the difference between corporate profit maximization and maximization of shareholder wealth?

Answer 1

Profit maximization relates to profits *only* while shareholder capital also involves total company equity, debt ratios and many of 15 other financial performance measure ratios. Management could concentrate on profit maximization over a longer period of time, like 40 years (Toyota), whereas the shareholder would see stock values and corporate total value increase instantly (get in and get out) (90% of American manufacturers). As management focused on short-term profit maximization, like the expense of long-term sales revenues, then shareholder wealth (stock price) could actually decrease because of the loss of market share.