* For a corporation: The ultimate goal is generally shareholder wealth maximization. This means increasing the market value of the company's stock over the long term through profitable operations and efficient capital allocation.
* For an individual: The ultimate goal is to achieve their financial objectives, which might include wealth accumulation, retirement security, homeownership, education funding, or leaving an inheritance.
* For a government: The ultimate goal is to manage public funds effectively to provide public services, achieve economic growth, and maintain financial stability. This often involves balancing competing demands and prioritizing different social goals.
* For a non-profit organization: The ultimate goal is to maximize the impact of their mission, which may involve serving a particular population, advancing a cause, or protecting the environment. Financial management here focuses on resource sustainability and efficiency to best achieve the non-profit's goals.
In all cases, while maximizing value is the overarching objective, the specific strategies and metrics used to achieve this vary significantly depending on the entity and its circumstances. It's not just about making money, but also about efficiently managing risks, allocating resources effectively, and aligning financial decisions with long-term objectives.