Strategic financial planning: a balance sheet perspective

This paper presents an easily comprehended approach to the strategic financial planning process. It utilizes a balance sheet approach that focuses attention on three key business policy decisions: asset growth rates, debt policy, and equity growth policy. Because the approach taken here does not get involved with the numerous assumptions and projections involved in a typical funds flow approach to financial planning, it is easier to understand and use by both boards and top management. A financial plan is defined as a bridge between two balance sheets.