LECTURE 2
The financial needs of a business can be categorised as follows:
(a) Fixed capital requirements: In order to start business, funds are required to purchase fixed assets like land and building, plant and machinery, and furniture and fixtures. This is known as fixed capital requirements of the enterprise. The funds required in fixed assets remain invested in the business for a long period of time. Different business units need varying amount of fixed capital depending on various factors such as the nature of business, etc. A trading concern for example, may require small amount of fixed capital as compared to a manufacturing concern. Likewise, the need for fixed capital investment would be greater for a large enterprise, as compared to that of a small enterprise.
(b) Working Capital requirements: The financial requirements of an enterprise do not end with the procurement of fixed assets. No matter how small or large a business is, it needs funds for its day-to-day operations. This is known as working capital of an enterprise, which is used for holding current assets such as stock of material, bills receivables and for meeting current expenses like salaries, wages, taxes, and rent.
The amount of working capital required varies from one business concern to another depending on various factors. A business unit selling goods on credit, or having a slow sales turnover, for example, would require more working capital as compared to a concern selling its goods and services on cash basis or having a speedier turnover. The requirement for fixed and working capital increases with the growth and expansion of business. At times additional funds are required for upgrading the technology employed so that the cost of production or operations can be reduced. Similarly, larger funds may be required for building higher inventories for the festive season or to meet current debts or expand the business or to shift to a new location. It is, therefore, important to evaluate the different sources from where funds can be raised.
Role Of Business Finance In An Organization
- It affects the survival, profitability and growth of the firm.
- It is necessary for the promotion of an organization.
- It ensures orderly functioning of an organization.
- Finance is the backbone of every business.
- It brings stability to enterprises.
- Expansion, modernization and diversification is possible only when there are adequate funds available.
- It supports other functional areas of a business.
- It helps in meeting the objective of wealth maximization.
- Business Finance helps firms solve business problems.
CLASSIFICATION
SOURCES
1. Retained Earnings 2. Trade Credit 3. Factoring 4. Lease Financing 5. Issue of Shares (Equity and Preference Shares) 6. Public Deposit 7. Commercial Paper 8. Debenture 9. Commercial Banks 10. Financial Institutions
1. Retained Earnings
Profits generated by a company that are not distributed to stockholders (shareholders) as dividends but are either reinvested in the business or kept as a reserve for specific objectives (such as to pay off a debt or purchase a capital asset).
Merits
Retained earnings is a permanent source of funds available to an organization. • It does not involve any explicit cost in the form of interest, dividend or floatation cost. • As the funds are generated internally, there is a greater degree of operational freedom and flexibility.
Limitations
Excessive plaguing back may cause dissatisfaction amongst the shareholders as they would get lower dividends. • It is an uncertain source of funds as the profits of business are fluctuating; • The opportunity cost associated with these funds is not recognized by many firms.
2. Trade Credit
Trade credit is the credit extended to you by suppliers who let you buy now and pay later. Any time you take delivery of materials, equipment or other valuables without paying cash on the spot, you're using trade credit.
Merits
Trade credit is a convenient and continuous source of funds; Trade credit may be readily available in case the credit worthiness of the customers is known to the seller; Trade credit needs to promote the sales of an organaisation If an organisation wants to increase its inventory level in order to meet expected rise in the sales volume in the near feature.
Limitations
Availability of easy and flexible trade credit facilities may induce a firm to indulge in overtrading which may add to the risk of the firm. Only limited amount of funds can be generated through trade credit It is generally a costly source of funds as compared to most other sources of raising money.
3. Factoring
Factoring is a type of finance in which a business would sell its accounts receivable (invoices) to a third party to meet its short-term liquidity needs. Under the transaction between both parties, the factor would pay the amount due on the invoices minus its commission or fees.
Merits
Obtaining funds through factoring is cheaper than financing through other means such as bank credit • With cash flow accelerated by factoring the clients is able to meet his/ her liabilities promptly as and when these arise. • Factoring as a source of funds is flexible and ensures a definite pattern of cash inflows from credit debt that a firm might otherwise be unable to obtain.
Limitations
This source is expensive when the invoices are numerous and smaller in amount • The advance finance provided by the factor firm is generally available at a higher interest cost than the usual rate of interest. • The factor is a third party to the customer who may not feel comfortable who may not feel comfortable while dealing with it.
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