We are excited to offer our readers a physical version of our piece, “Corporate Finance in 30 Minutes: A Guide for Family Business Directors and Shareholders.”

We have put this piece together to give family business directors and shareholders a vocabulary and conceptual framework for thinking about strategic corporate finance decisions.  An informed and engaged shareholder base is the most important factor in preserving stability within the family business.  Structured around the key decisions of capital structure, capital budgeting, and distribution policy, this guide is designed to assist family business directors and shareholders without a finance background in making relevant and meaningful contributions to the company’s most consequential financial decisions.

After a brief overview of return and risk, the two basic building blocks of corporate finance, we address the three big financial questions facing corporate directors.

1. What is the most efficient mix of capital?
2. How should potential capital projects be evaluated and selected?
3. What mix of returns do shareholders desire?

These three questions do not stand alone, but the answer to each one influences the answers to the others.  We hope this provides a helpful resource for you and your fellow directors and shareholders.

You can download a digital version of the booklet here, or you can request a physical copy of the booklet here.