Key Financial Functions of Firms Explained
Key Financial Functions of Firms Explained
b)
5.a) How would you determine the optimum level of current assets
Ans: Determining the optimum level of current assets involves balancing the need for
liquidity with the efficient utilization of resources. Here's how you can approach it:
1. Calculate Current Asset Requirements: Start by calculating the current asset
requirements of your business, which typically include cash, accounts receivable, and
inventory. Consider factors such as operating cycle, sales forecasts, and payment terms.
2. Assess Working Capital Needs: Analyze your working capital needs based on the
nature of your business, industry standards, and historical data. Consider the level of safety
cushion required to cover unexpected expenses or fluctuations in cash flow.
3. Evaluate Liquidity Ratios: Use liquidity ratios such as the current ratio (current assets
divided by current liabilities) and the quick ratio (quick assets divided by current liabilities) to
assess the adequacy of your current assets in meeting short-term obligations.
4. Consider Cash Flow Forecasting: Forecast future cash flows to understand the timing
and magnitude of inflows and outflows. This can help determine the amount of cash and
liquid assets needed to support ongoing operations.
5. Analyze Working Capital Turnover: Evaluate the efficiency of your current asset
management by analyzing metrics such as inventory turnover and accounts receivable
turnover. Strive to optimize turnover ratios to minimize excess holdings while maintaining
adequate liquidity.
6. Review Industry Benchmarks: Compare your current asset levels and ratios with
industry benchmarks to gauge your business's performance relative to peers and identify
areas for improvement.
7. Assess Risk Tolerance: Consider your company's risk tolerance and financial stability.
Determine the appropriate level of liquidity needed to withstand unexpected events or
downturns in the business environment.
8. Optimize Cash Conversion Cycle: Streamline processes related to cash inflows and
outflows, including inventory management, accounts receivable collection, and accounts
payable management, to optimize the cash conversion cycle and reduce the need for
excessive current assets.
9. Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor your current asset levels
and ratios, and adjust as needed based on changes in business conditions, market
dynamics, and growth opportunities.
By following these steps and regularly reviewing your current asset position, you can
optimize liquidity while maximizing the efficient use of resources in your business.
5.a) How would you determine the optimum level of current assets, illustrate your
answer
Ans: Sure, let's illustrate how to determine the optimum level of current assets using an
example:
1. Calculate Current Asset Requirements: Consider a fictional company, ABC
Electronics, which sells consumer electronics. Start by calculating its current asset
requirements. This includes cash, accounts receivable, and inventory. Suppose ABC's
current liabilities amount to $500,000.
2. Assess Working Capital Needs: Analyze ABC's working capital needs based on its
business operations, sales forecasts, and historical data. Let's say ABC determines it needs
a safety cushion of $200,000 to cover unexpected expenses and maintain smooth
operations.
3. Evaluate Liquidity Ratios: Calculate ABC's liquidity ratios. Suppose ABC's current
assets amount to $800,000. The current ratio would be 1.6 ($800,000 / $500,000), indicating
that ABC has $1.60 in current assets for every $1 of current liabilities, which is considered
healthy.
4. Consider Cash Flow Forecasting: Forecast ABC's future cash flows to understand
when and how much cash will be needed. Based on the forecast, ABC estimates it needs
$300,000 in cash to cover upcoming expenses and investments.
5. Analyze Working Capital Turnover: Evaluate ABC's working capital turnover ratios,
such as inventory turnover and accounts receivable turnover. Suppose ABC's inventory
turnover ratio is 5 times per year, indicating that it sells through its inventory relatively
quickly.
6. Review Industry Benchmarks: Compare ABC's current asset levels and ratios with
industry benchmarks to see how it fares against competitors. If ABC's ratios are in line with
or better than industry averages, it suggests its current asset management is effective.
7. Assess Risk Tolerance: Consider ABC's risk tolerance and financial stability. If ABC
operates in a volatile industry or faces uncertain market conditions, it may want to maintain
higher levels of current assets as a precaution.
8. Optimize Cash Conversion Cycle: Streamline processes related to cash inflows and
outflows, such as inventory management and accounts receivable collection, to minimize the
cash conversion cycle and reduce the need for excessive current assets.
9. Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor ABC's current asset levels
and ratios, adjusting them as needed based on changes in business conditions, market
dynamics, and growth opportunities.
b) Do you recommend that a firm should finance its current assets entirely with short term
financing
Ans: It depends on various factors such as the nature of the business, industry norms, and
the company's financial position. Here are considerations for both sides:
Pros of Financing Current Assets with Short-Term Financing:
1. Flexibility: Short-term financing provides flexibility, allowing the company to adjust its
financing needs according to changes in the business environment or market conditions.
2. Lower Interest Costs: Short-term financing often comes with lower interest costs
compared to long-term financing, which can help minimize the company's borrowing
expenses.
3. Matched Maturity: Financing current assets with short-term debt can align the maturity
of liabilities with the underlying assets' short-term nature, reducing mismatch risk.
Cons of Financing Current Assets with Short-Term Financing:
1. Refinancing Risk: Short-term financing requires frequent refinancing, exposing the
company to refinancing risk, especially during periods of tight credit conditions or rising
interest rates.
2. Potential Liquidity Crunch: Relying too heavily on short-term financing may lead to a
liquidity crunch if the company faces difficulty in rolling over its debt or accessing additional
financing when needed.
3. Risk of Interest Rate Volatility: Short-term financing is susceptible to interest rate
volatility. If interest rates rise unexpectedly, the company's borrowing costs could increase,
affecting profitability.
Recommendation:
In most cases, a balanced approach is advisable. While short-term financing can be
beneficial for funding seasonal fluctuations in current assets or managing working capital
needs, relying entirely on short-term financing may expose the company to risks during
economic downturns or tight credit markets.
Therefore, it's often prudent for companies to use a mix of short-term and long-term
financing to fund their current assets. This strategy helps mitigate refinancing risk while
maintaining flexibility and minimizing interest costs. Additionally, companies should regularly
assess their financing options and adjust their capital structure based on changing market
conditions and business requirements.
c)What is the concept of working capital
Ans: The concept of working capital refers to the difference between a company's current
assets and current liabilities. In simpler terms, it represents the resources a company needs
to fund its day-to-day operations. Working capital is essential for covering short-term
expenses such as raw materials, inventory, labor costs, and operating expenses.
Working capital is calculated using the following formula:
Working capital = Current assets - current liabilities
A positive working capital indicates that a company has more current assets than current
liabilities, which generally signifies liquidity and financial health. Conversely, a negative
working capital suggests that a company may struggle to meet its short-term obligations.
Managing working capital effectively is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and avoiding
liquidity problems. Companies strive to strike a balance between maintaining sufficient
liquidity and maximizing the efficient use of resources to optimize working capital. Strategies
for managing working capital include optimizing inventory levels, improving accounts
receivable collection, extending accounts payable payment terms, and forecasting cash
flows accurately.
c) What is the concept of working capital cycle
Ans: The concept of the working capital cycle, also known as the cash conversion
cycle, refers to the time it takes for a company to convert its investment in raw
materials and other resources into cash from sales. It involves the management of
cash, inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
The working capital cycle consists of the following stages:
1. Inventory Conversion Period: This is the time it takes for a company to convert
raw materials into finished goods ready for sale. It starts when raw materials are
purchased and ends when the finished goods are ready for sale.
2. Accounts Receivable Collection Period: Once goods are sold, there is a period
during which the company waits to collect payment from customers. This stage
represents the time it takes for the company to collect cash from credit sales.
3. Accounts Payable Payment Period: During this period, the company pays its
suppliers for the raw materials and other resources used in production. It reflects the
time between purchasing materials and paying for them.
The working capital cycle is calculated using the following formula:
Working Capital Cycle} =Inventory Conversion Period} +{Accounts Receivable
Collection Period} -{Accounts Payable Payment Period}
A shorter working capital cycle indicates that a company is able to convert its
investments into cash more quickly, which improves liquidity and efficiency.
Conversely, a longer working capital cycle may tie up resources and lead to liquidity
challenges.
Efficient management of the working capital cycle involves strategies such as
optimising inventory levels, improving accounts receivable collection processes,
negotiating favourable payment terms with suppliers, and streamlining operational
processes to reduce cycle times. By managing the working capital cycle effectively,
companies can improve cash flow, reduce financing costs, and enhance overall
financial performance.
c) What is meant by cash conversion cycle
Ans: The cash conversion cycle (CCC), also known as the working capital cycle,
represents the time it takes for a company to convert its investments in raw materials
and other resources into cash from sales. It encompasses the entire process from
purchasing raw materials to collecting cash from customers.
The cash conversion cycle consists of three key stages:
1. Inventory Conversion Period: This is the time it takes for a company to convert
raw materials into finished goods ready for sale. It starts when raw materials are
purchased and ends when the finished goods are ready for sale.
2. Accounts Receivable Collection Period: Once goods are sold, there is a period
during which the company waits to collect payment from customers who made
purchases on credit. This stage represents the time it takes for the company to
collect cash from credit sales.
3. Accounts Payable Payment Period: During this period, the company pays its
suppliers for the raw materials and other resources used in production. It reflects the
time between purchasing materials and paying for them.
The cash conversion cycle is calculated using the formula:
CCC=Inventory Conversion Period} + Accounts Receivable Collection Period} -
Accounts Payable Payment Period}
A shorter cash conversion cycle indicates that a company is able to convert its
investments into cash more quickly, which improves liquidity and efficiency.
Conversely, a longer cash conversion cycle may tie up resources and lead to liquidity
challenges.
Efficient management of the cash conversion cycle involves strategies such as
optimising inventory levels, improving accounts receivable collection processes,
negotiating favourable payment terms with suppliers, and streamlining operational
processes to reduce cycle times. By managing the cash conversion cycle effectively,
companies can improve cash flow, reduce financing costs, and enhance overall
financial performance.
c) Why cash conversion cycle is important in working capital management
Ans: The cash conversion cycle (CCC) is crucial in working capital management for
several reasons:
1. Liquidity Management: The CCC provides insights into the company's liquidity
position by indicating how quickly it can convert its investments into cash. A shorter
CCC implies better liquidity and the ability to meet short-term obligations more
efficiently.
2. Efficiency Measurement: The CCC serves as a measure of operational
efficiency. A shorter cycle indicates that the company is effectively managing its
inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, leading to improved efficiency
in converting resources into cash.
3. Optimal Resource Allocation: By analyzing the components of the CCC,
companies can identify areas for improvement in their working capital management.
This enables them to allocate resources more effectively, such as optimizing
inventory levels, improving receivables collection, or negotiating better payment
terms with suppliers.
4. Cost Reduction: Efficient management of the CCC can lead to cost savings.
For example, reducing the inventory conversion period can lower holding costs and
minimize the risk of inventory obsolescence. Similarly, shortening the accounts
receivable collection period reduces the need for costly financing options to cover
cash flow gaps.
5. Cash Flow Forecasting: Understanding the CCC helps in forecasting cash
flows more accurately. By knowing the timing of cash inflows and outflows,
companies can better plan for their financing needs and avoid liquidity shortages.
6. Competitive Advantage: Companies with a shorter CCC can respond more
quickly to market opportunities and customer demands. This agility can provide a
competitive advantage by allowing the company to capture sales opportunities and
adapt to changes in the business environment more effectively.
Overall, the CCC is a vital metric in working capital management as it provides
valuable insights into a company's liquidity, efficiency, and ability to optimize its
resources to generate cash flow. By actively managing the components of the CCC,
companies can enhance their financial performance and maintain a competitive edge
in the market.
c) Why cash conversion cycle is important in working capital management, give an
example to illustrate
Ans: The cash conversion cycle (CCC) is important in working capital management
because it directly impacts a company's liquidity, efficiency, and profitability. Let's
illustrate this with an example:
Consider Company A, a manufacturing firm that produces and sells electronic
gadgets. Company A's CCC consists of three key components:
1. Inventory Conversion Period: Company A purchases raw materials to
manufacture its gadgets. It takes an average of 30 days to convert these raw
materials into finished goods ready for sale.
2. Accounts Receivable Collection Period: After selling its gadgets, Company A
offers customers credit terms, allowing them 60 days to pay. On average, it takes
Company A 45 days to collect payment from its customers.
3. Accounts Payable Payment Period: Company A purchases raw materials on
credit from suppliers and has 30 days to pay its suppliers.
Now, let's calculate Company A's cash conversion cycle using the formula:
CCC} = \Inventory Conversion Period} + \Accounts Receivable
Collection Period} - \Accounts Payable Payment Period} \]
CCC} = 30 + 45 - 30 = 45 \ days} \]
Company A's cash conversion cycle is 45 days. Here's why this is important in
working capital management:
1. Liquidity: A shorter CCC means faster cash generation, improving Company
A's liquidity. With a 45-day CCC, Company A can more effectively cover its
short-term obligations and have cash available for operational needs.
2. Efficiency: A shorter CCC indicates efficient working capital management.
Company A's ability to convert its investments in raw materials into cash in just 45
days demonstrates efficient inventory management and effective accounts
receivable collection practices.
3. Profitability: Efficient working capital management can enhance profitability. By
reducing the time it takes to convert resources into cash, Company A can minimize
financing costs, reduce the risk of inventory obsolescence, and improve overall
financial performance.
4. Competitive Advantage: With a shorter CCC, Company A can respond more
quickly to market opportunities and customer demands. This agility allows Company
A to capture sales opportunities, maintain strong customer relationships, and
outperform competitors with longer cash conversion cycles.
In summary, the cash conversion cycle is essential in working capital management
as it provides valuable insights into a company's liquidity, efficiency, profitability, and
competitive positioning. By actively managing and optimizing the components of the
CCC, companies can enhance their financial performance and achieve sustainable
growth.
6.a) What is the firm's earning power
Ans: #### Firm's Earning Power
Earning power refers to a company's ability to generate profits over the long term,
assuming that current operational conditions generally remain constant. It is an
important factor that investors consider when assessing whether to buy a company's
shares. Analysts also review a company's earning power to determine if its stock is
worth investing in.
There are different methods and formulas used to calculate earning power,
depending on the specific context. One approach is the Earnings Power Value (EPV)
method, which looks at a firm's current cost of capital. EPV is derived by dividing a
company's adjusted earnings by its weighted average cost of capital. However, it's
important to note that EPV does not take into account future growth or competitor
assets.
Another method is the asset earning power (AEP) ratio, which compares a
company's earnings before taxes to its total assets. This ratio is useful for comparing
firms with different tax situations and can indicate how efficient a company is at
generating cash flow from its asset base.
Additionally, earning power can be calculated by dividing a company's operating
income by its total assets. This measure assesses the profit a company makes from
its business operations, excluding the impact of taxes or financial activity.
It's worth noting that earning power is often used in conjunction with other financial
ratios and measures to gain a comprehensive understanding of a company's
financial health and potential for growth.
In summary, earning power represents a company's ability to generate profits over
the long term, and it is an important factor considered by investors and analysts
when evaluating a company's financial performance and potential for investment.
a)How are the net profit margin and the assets turnover related
Ans: #### The Relationship Between Net Profit Margin and Assets Turnover
The net profit margin and assets turnover are two important financial ratios that
provide insights into a company's financial performance. While they measure
different aspects of a company's operations, they are related in the sense that they
both contribute to determining a company's return on assets (ROA).
Net Profit Margin is a profitability ratio that measures how much profit a company
earns for every dollar of sales revenue. It is calculated by dividing net income by
sales revenue and multiplying the result by 100. Net profit margin indicates how well
a company controls its costs and generates profit from its sales.
Assets Turnover measures how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate
revenue. It is calculated by dividing sales revenue by the average total assets of the
company. Assets turnover ratio indicates how effectively a company utilizes its
assets to generate sales.
The relationship between net profit margin and assets turnover can be understood
through the concept of return on assets (ROA). ROA is a profitability ratio that shows
how well a company utilizes its assets to generate profit. It is calculated by
multiplying the net profit margin by the assets turnover ratio.
A company can have a high return on assets even if it has a low profit margin
because it has a high assets turnover. This means that the company is generating a
high level of sales relative to its assets, which compensates for the lower profit
margin. On the other hand, a company with a high profit margin may have a low
assets turnover, indicating that it is not efficiently utilizing its assets to generate
sales.
In summary, while net profit margin and assets turnover are distinct ratios, they are
related in the sense that they both contribute to determining a company's return on
assets. A company can have a high return on assets by either having a high profit
margin or a high assets turnover, or a combination of both.
b) The total sales ( all credit) of a firm is Rs. 6,40,000. It has a gross profit
margin of 15 percent and a current ratio of 2.5. The firm’s current liabilities are Rs.
96,000; inventories Rs. 48000 and cash Rs. 16,000. a) Determine the average inventory
to be carried by the firm, if an inventory turnover of 5 times is expected? (Assume a
360 days year), b) Determine the average collection period if the opening balance of
debtor is intended to be of Rs. 80,000? (Assume a 360-day year).
Solution :
a)Inventory turnover = cost of goods sold/ Average inventory
Since gross profit margin is 15%, the cost of goods sold should be 85% of the sales.
Cost of goods sold = 0.85 * 6,40,000 = 5,44,000
= 5,44,000/Average inventory = 5,
Thus average inventory is= 5,44,000/5 = 1,08,800
Debtors 1,76,000
Average debtors = (1,76,000 + 80,000)/2 = 1,28,000
Average collection period = (1.28,000/6,40,000)*360 days =72 day
c) X company has made the plans for the next year. It is estimated that the company will
employed total Assets of Taka 800000 50% of the assets being finalised to buy capital at an
interest cost of 8% per year the directive cost for the year are estimated at 480000 and all
other operating expenses are estimated at 80000. The goods will be sold to customer
customers at 150% of the director costs. Text rate is assumed to be 50%.
i. You are required to calculate: (i) net profit margin; (ii) return on assets; (iii) assets turnover
and (iv) return on owners’ equity.
Solution. The net profit is calculated as follows:
(i)Net profit margin = Profit after taxes /Sales = Rs. 64000 /Rs. 720000 = 0.089 or 8.9%
(ii)Return on assets =EBIT (1 - T)/Assets =160000 (1 - 0.5)/800000 = 0.10 or 10%
(iii)Assets turnover = Sales/ Assets =Rs. 720000/Rs. 800000 = 0.9 times
(iv)Return on equity =Net profit after taxes /Owners' equity
= Rs. 64000 /50% of Rs. 800000 = Rs. 64000 /Rs. 400000 = 0.16 or 16
c) How does modern approach of financial management differ from traditional approach
Ans: The modern approach to financial management typically involves leveraging
technology, data analytics, and real-time information to make more informed decisions. This
contrasts with the traditional approach, which often relies on manual processes and
historical data. Modern methods allow for quicker analysis, better risk assessment, and more
agile responses to changing market conditions, ultimately leading to improved financial
performance and strategic decision-making.
2.a)A bird in hand is better than two in the bush, explain this statement in respect of dividend
policy.
Ans: #### The Bird in Hand Theory and Dividend Policy
The statement "a bird in hand is better than two in the bush" can be applied to dividend
policy in the context of the Bird in Hand Theory. This theory suggests that investors prefer
the certainty of receiving dividends from their investments rather than relying on the potential
for future capital gains.
According to the theory, investors value the certainty of receiving dividend payments
because capital gains are uncertain and come with inherent risks. The adage "a bird in the
hand is worth two in the bush" implies that it is better to hold onto something you already
have (dividends) rather than taking the risk of losing it by pursuing potentially higher returns
in the future (capital gains).
The Bird in Hand Theory was developed as a counterpoint to the Modigliani-Miller dividend
irrelevance theory, which suggests that investors do not care where their returns come from.
The Bird in Hand Theory emphasises the preference for dividends due to the uncertainty
associated with capital gains.
Dividends provide investors with a tangible and immediate return on their investment, which
can be used for various purposes such as reinvestment, meeting financial obligations, or
generating income. By receiving dividends, investors have a "bird in hand" that they can rely
on, rather than relying on the uncertain future performance of the company's stock for capital
gains.
It is important to note that the Bird in Hand Theory assumes a stable dividend policy with no
changes to the dividend payments. This theory suggests that investors value the certainty of
receiving dividends and prefer them over the potential but uncertain capital gains.
In summary, the Bird in Hand Theory in the context of dividend policy suggests that investors
prefer the certainty of receiving dividends rather than relying on the potential for future
capital gains. This theory emphasizes the value of immediate returns and the inherent
uncertainty associated with capital gains.
b)What is share repurpose? What are its key motives of share repurposeShare
repurchase, also known as share buyback, is when a company buys back its own shares
from the open market. This reduces the number of outstanding shares, effectively
consolidating ownership among the remaining shareholders.
2. Capital allocation: Companies may view their own stock as undervalued and believe that
repurchasing shares is a more attractive investment than other alternatives such as
dividends or capital expenditures.
3. Return excess cash to shareholders: When a company has excess cash on hand, it can
use share repurchases as a way to return capital to shareholders without committing to
ongoing dividend payments.
4. Employee stock options: Share repurchases can be used to offset the dilutive effect of
employee stock options and other equity-based compensation programs, thereby
maintaining or enhancing EPS.
5. Defending against hostile takeovers: Share repurchases can make it more expensive for
potential acquirers to gain control of the company by reducing the number of shares
available for purchase on the open market.
Overall, share repurchases can be a strategic tool for companies to manage their capital
structure, optimize shareholder value, and respond to various market conditions and
corporate objectives..
c) The offshore steel company has earnings available for common stockholders tk 30 lakh
and has 5 lakh shares of common stock outstanding at a Taka 90 per share. The farm is
currently contemplating the payments of tk 3 per share in cash dividend.
i. Calculate the firm's current earnings per share and price earning ratio.
ii.If the farm can repurchase its stock at tk 93 per share, how many shares can be
repurchased in lieu of making the propose day cash dividend payment.
iii.How much will the EPS after the proposed repurchase Why
iv.if on the stocks sells at the old P/E ratio, what will the market price be after repurchase
v.Compare the earnings per share before and after the proposed repurchase
vi.Compare the shareholders position under the dividend and repurchase alternatives
Ans: i. Earnings per share (EPS) = Earnings available for common stockholders / Number of
shares outstanding
EPS = 30,00,000 Tk / 5,00,000 shares = Tk 6 per share
Price-earnings ratio (P/E ratio) = Market price per share / Earnings per share
Given that the market price per share is Tk 90, P/E ratio = 90 Tk / 6 Tk = 15
ii.To find out how many shares can be repurchased with the cash dividend payment:
Cash available for repurchase = Cash dividend per share * Number of shares outstanding
Cash available for repurchase = 3 Tk/share * 5,00,000 shares = 15,00,000 Tk
Number of shares repurchased = Cash available for repurchase / Repurchase price per
share
Number of shares repurchased = 15,00,000 Tk / 93 Tk/share ≈ 16,129 shares
iii.After the repurchase, the new number of shares outstanding = 5,00,000 - 16,129 =
4,83,871 shares
New earnings per share (EPS) = Earnings available for common stockholders / New number
of shares outstanding
New EPS = 30,00,000 Tk / 4,83,871 shares ≈ Tk 6.21 per share
iv.If the stock sells at the old P/E ratio, the market price after repurchase would be:
Market price after repurchase = New EPS * Old P/E ratio
Market price after repurchase = Tk 6.21 * 15 = Tk 93.15
vi. Under the dividend alternative, shareholders receive cash dividends per share. Under the
repurchase alternative, shareholders benefit indirectly through an increase in EPS and
potentially an increase in stock price. However, they lose the immediate cash benefit of
receiving dividends. It depends on shareholders' preferences regarding cash flow versus
capital appreciation.
a)Assuming that other things being equal, what would be the changes in the degree of
combined leverage in the following situations i.fixed costs increase ii.EBIT level increases iii.
selling price increases iv. Variable cost decreases
Ans: a) The changes in the degree of combined leverage in the following situations would
be:
i. If fixed costs increase: The degree of combined leverage would increase because higher
fixed costs would amplify the impact of changes in sales or revenue on earnings.
ii. If EBIT level increases: The degree of combined leverage would remain the same
because EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) is a measure used in calculating
operating leverage, which is only one component of combined leverage.
iii. If selling price increases: The degree of combined leverage would increase because
higher selling prices would increase revenue, potentially magnifying the impact of fixed costs
on earnings.
iv. If variable costs decrease: The degree of combined leverage would increase because
lower variable costs would increase the contribution margin, potentially amplifying the impact
of fixed costs on earnings.
b)The following information relating to the operational and capital structure of XYZ
Co. Installed Capacity 1200 units
Actual production and sales 800 units
Selling price per unit 15
Variable cost per unit 10
Fixed cost Situation A 1000 Situation B 2000 Situation C 3000
Capital Structure Financial Plan
Equity (1) 5,000 (2) 7,500 (3) 2,500
Debt (1) 5,000 (2) 2,500 (3) 7,500
Cost of debt 12%
i.Calculate the operating leverage and financial leverage under situation A, B and C
and financial plans I, II and III respectively.
ii. Also determine the combination of operating and financial leverage which give the
highest value and the least value
iii.State how these calculation may be useful to the financial manager of a company
Situation A
Situation B
Situation C
Financial leverage and operating leverage are two different concepts that are used to assess
the financial health and performance of a company. While both types of leverage have their
own significance, financial leverage is generally considered to be superior to operating
leverage. Here's why:
Financial Leverage refers to the use of debt to finance a company's operations and
investments. By borrowing money, a company can increase its assets and potentially
generate higher returns for shareholders. However, it's important to note that financial
leverage also increases the company's debt-to-equity ratio, which can be a cause for
concern depending on the industry and average ratios.
Financial leverage can be advantageous when the revenue generated from the company's
operations exceeds the interest expense on the debt. In such cases, the company can
benefit from the additional funds obtained through borrowing, which can be used for
expansion, investment in assets, or other strategic initiatives.
Operating Leverage, on the other hand, refers to the use of fixed costs in a company's cost
structure. It indicates how sensitive a company's profits are to changes in sales volume. A
company with high operating leverage has a higher proportion of fixed costs compared to
variable costs. This means that a small change in sales can have a significant impact on the
company's profits.
While operating leverage can be beneficial in certain situations, it also comes with risks. If a
company incorrectly forecasts future sales and overestimates its revenue, it can lead to a
significant discrepancy between actual and budgeted cash flow, affecting the company's
ability to operate effectively.
1. Risk Management: Financial leverage increases the risk of financial distress because it
involves borrowing money, which needs to be repaid regardless of the company's
performance. Operating leverage increases the risk of losses during downturns because
fixed costs remain constant. By having a balance of the two leverages, a company can
mitigate the overall risk by not relying too heavily on one type of leverage.
3. Optimizing Returns: Both financial and operating leverage have the potential to increase
returns when used appropriately. By balancing the two, a company can optimize its overall
returns while managing risk. This allows the company to take advantage of growth
opportunities while safeguarding against potential losses.
Overall, a balance between financial and operating leverage allows a company to optimize
its capital structure, manage risk effectively, and enhance its ability to navigate various
business conditions while maximizing shareholder value.
In summary, both financial and operating leverage can make the position of a firm very risky,
but they do so through different mechanisms. Financial leverage increases the firm's
financial risk by amplifying the impact of debt on the firm's profitability and solvency.
Operating leverage increases the firm's operational risk by magnifying the impact of fixed
costs on its profitability and sensitivity to changes in sales volume. Balancing these two
types of leverage is essential for managing overall risk and ensuring the firm's long-term
financial health and stability.
2019
1.a. Dividend has an information content discuss with example.
Ans:The concept of "dividend information content" refers to the idea that changes in dividend
policy can convey valuable information to investors about a company's financial health,
future prospects, and management's confidence in the business. Dividend decisions reflect
management's assessment of the company's earnings, cash flow, investment opportunities,
and capital structure considerations. Here's how dividend information content works with an
example:
**Example:**
Let's consider a company, ABC Corp, which has been paying consistent dividends for
several years. However, in the current year, the company announces a significant increase
in its dividend payout ratio or initiates a special dividend. This change in dividend policy can
signal several things to investors:
1. **Positive Earnings Outlook:** A higher dividend payout ratio may indicate that the
company's earnings have improved and are expected to remain strong in the future.
Management's decision to return a larger portion of earnings to shareholders suggests
confidence in the company's ability to sustain profitability and generate cash flow.
2. **Strong Cash Flow Generation:** Increasing dividends could signal that the company's
cash flow generation has strengthened, allowing it to distribute more cash to shareholders
while still retaining sufficient funds for operational needs and growth initiatives.
5. **Financial Stability:** Consistent or increased dividend payments may indicate that the
company has a stable financial position and sufficient liquidity to meet its dividend
obligations. This can reassure investors about the company's ability to withstand economic
downturns or adverse market conditions.
However, it's essential to note that dividend decisions are not always straightforward and can
be influenced by various factors, including tax considerations, regulatory requirements,
capital allocation priorities, and future growth prospects. Investors should consider the
broader context of a company's financial performance, industry dynamics, and
management's credibility when interpreting dividend changes as signals of underlying
business strength or weakness.
b.How does Godowns model differ from walter's model in a situation when the Return on
Investment of a Firm is equal to the required rate?
Ans: Godown's model and Walter's model are both dividend decision models used by firms
to determine their optimal dividend policy. While they share similarities, they differ in their
assumptions and approaches to determining the optimal dividend payout ratio. Let's
compare the two models in a situation where the Return on Investment (ROI) of a firm is
equal to the required rate:
1. **Godown's Model:**
- Godown's model focuses on the relationship between the cost of equity (required rate of
return) and the internal rate of return (ROI) of the firm's investments.
- In Godown's model, the optimal dividend payout ratio is determined by comparing the
internal rate of return (ROI) of the firm's investments to the required rate of return (cost of
equity).
- When the ROI equals the required rate of return, it implies that the firm is earning exactly
the return that shareholders expect. In this situation, according to Godown's model, the
optimal dividend payout ratio is irrelevant. The firm can either pay out dividends or retain
earnings without affecting shareholder wealth, as shareholders are indifferent between
receiving dividends and reinvesting earnings.
2. **Walter's Model:**
- Walter's model focuses on the trade-off between retaining earnings for reinvestment and
paying dividends to shareholders.
- In Walter's model, the optimal dividend payout ratio is determined by comparing the
return on investment (ROI) to the cost of equity, along with the firm's growth rate and
dividend per share.
- When the ROI equals the required rate of return, it implies that the firm's investments are
earning exactly the return that shareholders expect. In this situation, according to Walter's
model, the firm's optimal dividend payout ratio is to pay out all earnings as dividends (100%
payout ratio). This is because retaining earnings for reinvestment does not provide any
additional benefit to shareholders, as the return on investment equals the required rate of
return.
In summary, in a situation where the return on investment (ROI) of a firm is equal to the
required rate of return, Godown's model would suggest that the optimal dividend payout ratio
is irrelevant, while Walter's model would suggest a 100% dividend payout ratio. The
difference in recommendations reflects the different assumptions and objectives of each
model regarding the impact of dividend policy on shareholder wealth.
c.Apex company has been following walter's model with respect to divide and
payment accordingly is here at dividend time. The capital budget is reviewed in
conjunction with the earnings for the period and alternative inversion opportunities
for the shareholders in the current year, the farmer reports a turnover of 4250000. It
is estimated that the farm can earn tk 850000 if the amounts are retained. The farms
have 50,000 shares Standing and the investors have alternative investment
opportunities that will yield them 10%
Required i. the price earnings ratio and the current market price of a share of the
farm
ii TThe market price of share at 50% 75% and 80% payout ratio
iii. What should be the dividend payout ratio that to will maximise the shareholders
wealth why
iv.will your decision be changed if the required rate of return is a 20%
Ans:
2.a.